Human beings have tried since the beginning to make sense of the mysteries behind death and dying. Over the years, many superstitions have made their way into mainstream culture and still affect our attitude towards death today. Here are four of the strangest superstitions about death and dying that rose to prevalence throughout history.
Birds as Symbols of Death
Since ancient times, human beings have believed in a strong link between birds and death. Their ability to fly was seen as a way for them to easily pass between the mortal and immortal worlds. Because of this, there are countless superstitions regarding birds as bad omens. Seeing or hearing the wrong bird at the wrong time has long been believed to foreshadow death.
Holding Your Breath
For those that believe in restless spirits who wander around earth after their death, it may be a good idea to heed the superstition that instructs people passing by a cemetery to close their mouths and hold their breath. This prevents the spirits from entering your body and taking over. If you are a pregnant woman, superstition tells you to just avoid cemeteries, funerals, and anything death related until after your baby is born.
Pallbearers Wearing Gloves
Pallbearers wearing gloves at a funeral is so commonplace that many people don’t know that this practice has its roots in superstition. While wearing gloves to carry a casket does make a formal fashion statement, it also prevents the spirit of the dead from entering the body.
Flowers on a Grave
Placing flowers on the grave of a loved one fulfilled both practical needs and superstitious beliefs. In less modern times, flowers were used to mask the smell of the decomposing body. However, many superstitions suggest that flowers on a grave help keep the spirit of the deceased below ground. Other superstitions claim that if flowers grow naturally on a grave, it is a sign that person led a good life and went to heaven. On the other hand, no flowers growing on a grave is a sign of evil.
Call Whinery-Huddleston Today
For thoughtful funeral arrangements or preneed services, call Whinery-Huddleston Funeral Service in Lawton at 580-536-0211.