Why do they hang mirrors in the house of the deceased?

The tradition of covering all mirror surfaces in the house where a person died goes back to ancient times. We inherited superstition from pagan beliefs; many do not even remember the essence, but continue to strictly observe the ritual.

Why do they hang it up?

Any person who has lost a relative experiences grief and is depressed. In this state, some sensitive natures notice a certain image in the depths of the mirrors, see shadows.

Previously, mirrors were covered with mercury, and it was believed that it absorbed people’s energy, including dying emotions. They can be transmitted to a living person if they touch such a surface. Now manufacturing technologies have changed, but the signs remain.

What do folk signs say?

There are a number of beliefs that justify the total closure of all reflective surfaces:

1. Any mirror can open a portal to another world, summoning the souls of the dead and letting in evil spirits that can harm living people.
2. The soul, leaving the body, can be frightened by the sight of its own reflection.
3. The spirit will take away a living person if he sees an otherworldly guest.
4. The soul will forever remain in the mirror without entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Numerous reflections create a labyrinth with no exit, locking in dead energy.
5. Reflective surfaces double the grief.
6. Devils are capable of kidnapping a soul through reflection, and it will not go to heaven.
7. The one who looks in the mirror first will soon die or become seriously ill after the funeral service, so first you need to bring the cat, because it has nine lives.
8. A broken mirror within 40 days of death will bring another loss.

During mourning, one should not preen oneself; this is regarded as disdain for grief.

What the Church Says

The custom carries in its pure form a pagan rite that has nothing to do with Orthodoxy, so priests answer such questions evasively, recalling that this tradition is not spelled out in the canons of Orthodox rituals.

Some church ministers recommend covering mirrors on the ninth, fortieth day and while a deceased relative is in the house. According to the Christian religion, the soul remains on earth for 40 days, and then is “born” in heaven. At this time, prayers should be read and mourning should be observed.

To help the soul of the deceased withstand the tests and ascend to heaven, believers - relatives order a memorial service, litia, and magpie in the church for 40 days from the date of death. The countdown is from the date of death. Prayer is permitted for the baptized deceased.

How to observe this ritual

During the funeral, everything that can reflect the image is securely covered, and water splashes out. For the first 9 days the soul is next to the body, then it separates and leaves, at this moment the dead energy disappears from the home. At this moment, open the TV and computer, since during a difficult period of life it is difficult to be in silence, you need to take a little break from gloomy thoughts.

According to the signs, it is necessary to wash the room where the coffin was located.

Opinions differ on the timing of the opening of mirrors. Some people think that waiting 9 days is enough; especially superstitious people wait 40 days.The choice remains with the mourning relatives. Admiring oneself and preening is considered a departure from mourning. Time should be devoted to prayer and reflection.

Deep grief after a loss puts a person in a slightly altered state. It is difficult for him to see the reflection of the room, especially if it includes a photograph of the deceased, candles, a wreath, or a coffin. At this time, you should not observe your own darkened face, it worsens your well-being.