For a long time, it has been customary to cover all reflective surfaces in the house where the deceased is. Superstitious people perceive the mirror as a kind of portal – the border between two worlds. There are a number of signs that explain why you need to close all mirrors in the house after a person's death.
Why cover mirrors when a person dies
At a funeral, all reflective surfaces are covered. The interpretation of superstitions is as follows:
- It is believed that after the death of a person, his soul wanders the earth for 40 days, and then departs to another world and calms down. Once in the Looking Glass through an uncurtained object, she will no longer find her way back.
- According to signs, the Looking Glass was considered the habitat of the devil. If you do not hang it after the death of a person, the dark forces may try to drag his soul with them. This is especially true if the deceased was a bright, positive and very kind person during his lifetime.
- According to some versions, relatives close the mirrors, since the soul may be afraid of its reflection. This is due to the opinion that often people do not understand and do not accept the fact of their death.
- In uncovered, timely reflective surfaces, ghosts and ghosts can be seen in the future.
Old-timers give their own interpretation of the signs. The mirrors are curtained, since during the service they reflect the cross in rear projection.
Please note that in temples and churches there are no objects in which you can see the reflection. It is believed that such a surface takes away all the grace, which means that prayer will not have true power.
Some signs warn the living against using a mirror in the house of the deceased. According to interpretations, this can bring serious harm to the beholder, up to and including death.
You can't look in the mirror for people with an unstable psyche and a rich imagination. If you look first at the reflection of the deceased, and then directly at the deceased, you might think that he is smiling.
A more mundane point of view is that when a person dies, his family does not have the time or desire to use the mirror. When there is a deceased in the house, the reflective surfaces are covered so that they do not attract attention.
What and how to close
To cover all reflective surfaces in the deceased's home, a thick, opaque cloth should be used. The best option would be black matter, however, this is not found in every home.
Sometimes they are covered with sheets or blankets. The use of tablecloths and bedspreads is acceptable.
Usually, the curtain procedure begins immediately after the news of death. If a person died in the hospital from a prolonged illness, this sign can be neglected.
How many days to close
The fabric can be removed after a certain time. Signs speak of such terms:
- All reflective surfaces must be covered at all times that the deceased is in the house. Moreover, you should cover both the TV and the computer monitor. The fabric can be removed after the funeral, when the deceased is no longer in the room. You should first wash the room where the coffin stood.
- According to other legends, the period for which the mirrors are hung is at least 9 days. After this time, the soul leaves our world, and the saints lead it to the Lord. This means you can look at your reflection without fear.
- Old-timers and especially religious people suggest removing the covers from mirrors and reflective surfaces 40 days after death.
The exact time is not established by any belief. Everyone observes the interpretation that is closest to him.
