When and for how long do mirrors close? When do they cover mirrors when a person dies? How does the church view the custom?

Superstitions, customs and traditions of a community are powerful psychological triggers that force lay people to act almost automatically in certain cases. The generally accepted rules of a particular society govern the life of its representatives. The ingrained norms of behavior after the death of a loved one or relative deserve special attention.

Failure to observe “bearded” funeral signs threatens the relatives and friends of the deceased with gossip, gossip and even social isolation. One of the rules says: after the death of a person, reflective surfaces in the house must be covered with thick, light-proof fabric. But why do they do this and when do they remove the covers from the mirrors after the funeral?

Historical background

Our ancestors, the ancient Slavs, confidently considered mirrors to be ritual objects that act as a kind of tunnels, portals between the real and the other world. In Rus', the mystical properties of mirrors were respected, so the use of these objects was accompanied by very specific taboos.

For example, women during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle, as well as after childbirth, were prohibited from looking at their face and figure in the mirror for a long time.

As for infants, before the sacrament of baptism they could not be brought close to mirror surfaces. Our ancestors believed: if a baby sees his reflection, he may become very frightened, start talking late and begin to stutter.

When a person died, the forefathers immediately covered mirrors and reflective objects with thick tablecloths, towels and all kinds of curtains. Actually, this is not surprising, because the visual “doubling” of the deceased increased the tragedy, horror and unbearable bitterness of loss. The ancient Slavs believed that the mirror illusion of the deceased could affect reality, which means that one of the household members risks leaving our mortal world prematurely.

In some communities, after the death of a person, the relatives of the deceased got rid of the water that was in the house, and did not hang up the mirrors, but turned them to the wall or simply took them out of the room where the house with the deceased was located. The ancient Serbs believed that whoever looks in the mirror first will soon die. Therefore, when the curtains were removed from the reflective surfaces, the cat was brought to the mirror. It is not at all necessary for modern Christians to blindly follow pagan signs, but it is necessary to know and respect historical traditions.

Why are mirrors covered with cloth after a person's death?

There are both objective and subjective reasons for covering mirror surfaces after death. Since the soul is a mental substance, when it leaves the physical shell, it can see its reflection in the mirror and lose its energy potential, which means it will remain in our world forever. Perhaps such a theory sounds ridiculous, but some authoritative parapsychologists do not rule out such a development of events. That is why, when answering the question of how long to keep mirrors closed after a funeral, one should understand when the energetic essence of a person will leave the sinful world forever. And the soul of the deceased goes to the Almighty on the fortieth day after the funeral.

Mirrors are festive attributes of a room, and since the death of a person plunges his relatives into deep mourning, moral and physical stupor, showing off in front of a mirror is simply unacceptable.

By paying special attention to their appearance, relatives demonstrate disrespect for the deceased, and also insult his memory. In addition, the presence of open mirrors visually increases the bitterness, grief and horror of an unimaginable loss. As a result, household members are threatened with hysterical attacks and deep depression, which will have an extremely negative impact on their emotional and physical state. Believe me, the deceased would really not want this, so there is no point in aggravating the already tense situation, and it is best to cover the mirrors.

Since on a subconscious level people have an inherent belief in a mysterious, supernatural world, it is no wonder that many, as it seems to them, see silhouettes of deceased people in the mirrors. This is not surprising, because during the period of mourning depression it is very difficult for the brain to control emotions, feelings and even sensations. But some people perceive a visual mirage not as a result of the restoration processes of the central nervous system, but as mystical signals from the other world. They sincerely believe that if they see a dead person in the mirror, they will certainly die soon. Naturally, such self-hypnosis cannot end in anything favorable. At the same time, traditional physics categorically denies the possibility of seeing the metal body of a dead person in a mirror.

When to open mirrors after a funeral

If you honor funeral traditions, and also on a subconscious level are afraid of unauthorized actions of spiritual entities, then you probably want to know on what day after the burial of a person you can safely remove the curtains from the mirror. Many believe that after the funeral meal of the ninth day, curtains on reflective surfaces can be safely gotten rid of. This is not so, because the soul leaves our world on the fortieth day after the death of a person. That is why, in order to ensure that she is not lured into the labyrinth of the looking glass, superstitious people recommend removing the curtains on the fortieth day after the death of a relative or loved one.

Funeral taboo

1. The coffin must be carried by strangers. Relatives are strictly prohibited from doing this. They are not allowed to walk in front of the funeral procession, nor wash the floors in the room where the deceased lay.
2. Hygiene products that were used to prepare the deceased for burial are placed directly in the house or destroyed away from prying eyes.
3. , as well as pouring vodka or other alcohol onto a grave mound is unacceptable. Such actions desecrate the memory of the deceased and are considered blasphemy.
4. You cannot return to the house of a deceased person after the coffin has been removed and until the end of the funeral process. Failure to comply with this sign threatens a person with health problems and even death.
5. Traditionally, hygiene items, money, handkerchiefs and other accessories are placed in the coffin with the deceased, which he can use for its intended purpose in the afterlife.
6. It is not advisable for pregnant women to attend a funeral ceremony, since the unfavorable energy and atmosphere of the cemetery have an extremely negative impact on the fetus.

The opinion of the clergy

The Orthodox Church does not welcome the observance of pagan traditions, therefore it does not force parishioners to blindly follow many dubious rules that have survived to this day from the times when Perun and Veles were worshiped. According to Orthodoxy, mirrors do not affect the natural process of liberation of the soul from the mortal world. The deceased do not need to unquestioningly observe any rituals and rites. They need heartfelt, sincere prayers, and also that our actions correspond to the faith of Christ.

It has long been customary to cover all reflective surfaces in a house where there is a deceased person. Superstitious people perceive the mirror as a kind of portal - the border between two worlds. There are a number of signs that explain why it is necessary to close all the mirrors in the house after the death of a person.

Why do they cover mirrors when a person dies?

At funerals, all reflective surfaces are required to be covered. The interpretation of superstitions is as follows:

• It is generally accepted that after the death of a person, his soul wanders the earth for 40 days, and then goes to another world and calms down. Once she gets into the Looking Glass through an uncurtained object, she will never find her way back.
• According to signs, Through the Looking Glass was considered the habitat of the devil. If it is not hung after a person's death, dark forces may try to drag his soul with them. This is especially true if the deceased during his lifetime was a bright, positive and very kind person.
• According to some versions, relatives cover mirrors because 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 reflective surfaces that are not covered in a timely manner, ghosts and apparitions can be seen in the future.

Old-timers give their interpretation of the sign. Mirrors are curtained because during the service they reflect the cross in reverse projection.

Please note: in temples and churches there are no objects in which reflections can be seen. It is believed that such a surface takes away all 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 troubles to the person watching, even death.

People with an unstable psyche and a rich imagination should not look in the mirror. 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 down-to-earth point of view says that when a person dies, his family does not have the time or desire to use a mirror. When there is a deceased person in the house, 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, use a thick, opaque fabric. The best option would be black material, however, this is not found in every home.

Sometimes they are covered with sheets or blankets. It is acceptable to use tablecloths and bedspreads.

Usually the veiling procedure begins immediately after the news of death. If a person died in a hospital from a long illness, this sign can be ignored.

How many days to close

The fabric can be removed after a certain time. Signs speak of the following dates:

1. All reflective surfaces should be covered at all times while the deceased is in the home. Moreover, both the TV and the computer monitor should be covered. 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.
2. According to other legends, the period for which 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.
3. Old-timers and especially religious people suggest removing covers from mirrors and reflective surfaces 40 days after death.

Not a single belief establishes the exact time. Everyone follows the interpretation that is closest to themselves.

The ancient Slavs were sure that the mirror opened a portal to the other world. The human body has not only a physical shell, but also a soul. Mirror surfaces are covered for a number of reasons:

We are sure that you will be interested in the article about the Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow.

Rules and actions at a funeral

It is necessary to escort a person on his final journey correctly. Mistakes made at a funeral can negatively affect the future life of the household. Generally accepted rules:

If you ask in a temple when you can remove the curtains from the mirrors, the priests will advise you to wait until the forties. At this time, the soul of the deceased leaves the world.

Of course, each family decides for itself how to bury the body of the deceased and when to open mirrors after the death of a loved one. But people believe in the signs regarding burials and try to observe them.

What is mourning in Orthodoxy and how to observe it

In the Orthodox Church there is no such thing as mourning. Mourning is a worldly concept.

Everyone decides for himself how and for how long to mourn - do not wear bright clothes, do not visit places of entertainment, do not listen to music, do not celebrate holidays, do not eat delicacies and alcohol, and lead a humble lifestyle for 40 days.

Believers, in order to help the soul of a deceased person quickly find peace, pray especially fervently for 40 days, order memorial services and magpies for the deceased in various churches and monasteries, do good deeds and give alms. This is all mourning in Orthodoxy.

Curtaining mirrors in the house of the deceased is an absolute superstition that was widespread in ancient times, but what is surprising is that many people continue to do this in our time. Of course, everyone decides for themselves, but it is worth remembering the words of St. Ambrose Optinsky “Don’t believe it, and it won’t come true.”

There are a number of beliefs associated with death and mirrors. One of them says that if the soul, which for some time after separation from the body still remains among close people, can “see” itself in and be afraid. Also, superstitious people believe that if a soul gets into a mirror, symbolizing the transition between worlds and dimensions, it can remain there forever, unable to get out.

The most terrible beliefs are connected directly with living people. Previously, it was believed that if a living person saw his ghost, he too would soon die. This may seem stupid and funny, but after that people strictly observe traditions and listen to superstitions, not wanting to take risks and joke with death. In addition, observing the rituals gives the loved ones of the deceased the opportunity to temporarily escape from what happened, by using the power of will to switch from sorrowful thoughts to worries, and this helps to more easily cope with the terrible loss, at least in the first days.

Objective reasons for covering mirrors in the house of a deceased person

Passing by a mirror, a person automatically looks at his reflection. It is quite natural that the death of a loved one leaves a mark on people’s appearance - a pale face, tear-stained eyes, a sad expression are easy to notice. As a rule, people do not want to see themselves in this state, so they prefer not to look in the mirror if possible, at least in the first days. This does not apply only to cases when a person washes or dresses, and even then not always.

Mourning has its own laws regarding the appearance and behavior of loved ones of the deceased. Admiring your reflection in the mirror does not fit into them at all. To make it easier for the relatives of the deceased to strictly observe mourning, all mirrors in the rooms are covered. By the way, this is also necessary so that nothing distracts the living from praying for the dead, and they can devote time to their grief. There is also an opinion that large mirrors give the room a more elegant, beautiful look, so they are covered with canvases to emphasize the tragedy of the moment.

During deep grief, a person perceives space and other people in a way that is not quite the same as usual. It can be difficult for him to see the reflection of the house and those around him in the mirror. The worst thing is if the reflection shows a photograph of the deceased, which was chosen for the funeral, candles, or the coffin itself and wreaths. All this only aggravates the situation, it puts pressure, because even if you turn away from what gives painful emotions, you will see the same thing in the reflection.

Every person on the planet knows that a mirror is an object that is used in everyday life. Some people claim that the mirror represents some kind of magical object. As a result of such reasoning, a large number of different traditions, beliefs, omens and even prohibitions are associated with it. One of the most common and considered that it is necessary to cover a mirror when a person dies? However, few people understand why such an act is necessary.

In ancient times, it was believed that a mirror was a kind of symbol that could double reality, and at the same time, the mirror was the border between two worlds, that is, the earthly and the otherworldly. It is precisely because of such statements and reflections that it is believed that if a person dies in the house, this item of daily use must be covered with thick fabric. Nowadays, people turn the mirror towards the wall or take it into another room. Special religious people who follow all the rules and signs sometimes even take this household item out of the house. Such acts are associated with the fact that in ancient times it was believed that it was possible to open the door to the other world if there was a dead person in the house. And to prevent this from happening, the mirror is covered with thick fabric. As you know, this tradition has survived to this day.

Based on various traditions, customs and beliefs, every person on the planet knows that during the first three days after a person’s death, his soul can return to his body. It is from this knowledge that it becomes clear why mirrors are covered when a person dies in the house. If the soul actually decides to return to its own worldly body, it can be reflected in the mirror and end up in a labyrinth between two worlds. Further, the soul will not be able to find peace, since it will be in a mirror trap. That is why it is believed that in such cases the human soul suffers, suffers and may not get out of the labyrinth at all. In ancient times, folk wisdom said that the human soul, which finds itself in a mirror labyrinth, will for a long time reflect various scenes from its own life in an object of daily use. Earlier and to this day, such a sign has been preserved that if a person sees a dead person in the mirror, therefore, in the near future he will meet him, that is, he will die.

If we turn to the knowledge that he has orthodox christian church, we can find out the fact that Church canons prohibit performing all kinds of rituals on dead people with an open mirror. Since the clergy claim that in the mirror the ritual will be displayed in reverse, and if the cross is displayed in the mirror in a different way, then this is obvious blasphemy. It is on this basis that every person can notice that in temples, churches and monasteries there is no mirror and, in principle, any mirror surfaces. Since church canons consider a mirror to be a direct portal to the other world. It is these objects that are capable of drawing into themselves prayers and prayers, as a result of which they will become unanswered and not a single shrine will respond to help a person if a song of praise is ascended near an open mirror.

Some modern residents of the metropolis are wondering Why do they cover mirrors when a small child is born? This is due to the fact that there is a folk superstition that says that a baby who is under one year old should not be brought to a mirror or other mirrored surfaces. This is due to the fact that the child may be afraid of his own reflection and in the future will not be able to sleep peacefully or will have various nightmares during sleep. Some experts in the field of studying the character of young children argue that if a child under one year old sees his own reflection in the mirror, then he will begin to talk very late. Church canons prohibit bringing an unbaptized baby to mirror surfaces, especially at night. This is due to the fact that an unbaptized child does not yet have a guardian angel who would protect his body and soul.

It is also important to note the fact that some experts in the field of studying other worlds argue that you need to look in the mirror only with a positive attitude. Because otherwise, this piece of furniture can double the negative emotions and other experiences that will be reflected in it. At the same time, you should never hover near a mirror for a long time, since it is believed that it will not reflect a person’s real appearance and, of course, will distort his inner essence.

Therefore, we can say that the death of a loved one is not the only reason when it is necessary to cover mirrors or be extremely careful with them. From time immemorial it was believed that It is necessary to cover mirrors not only at the moment when a person dies, but also during difficult and dangerous times, when a person faces great difficulties in life. Under no circumstances should you look at your own reflection in the mirror after midnight, or if there is a thunderstorm outside. Some folk superstitions also say that you should never look in the mirror on Good Friday, since various superstitions claim that in this case you can see the devil instead of your own reflection. Popular wisdom also prohibits pregnant or nursing mothers from looking in the mirror. In difficult, difficult times in the Middle Ages, during military operations or any offensives, mirrors were hung up or taken to the basement so that they did not reflect the whole essence of what was happening.

A large number of people on the planet know what needs to be done when a person dies. First of all, everyone covers mirrors or any reflective surfaces in the house so that the person himself or the soul of the deceased cannot see anything unnecessary. Many people, of course, now consider such intentions to be just superstitions, but still listen to them, since their ancestors explained the world around them precisely by such actions, since there was no scientific knowledge. However, it is important to note the fact that The death of a person and his soul has not been thoroughly studied by science to this day, so you should not neglect popular advice and various superstitions.

Mirrors are a portal to another world

At one time, the ancient Slavs claimed that a mirror was a kind of open window into the other world. Consequently, we can say that previously such a piece of furniture was considered in the form of the duality of the world. This is where the symbolism comes from that the mirror is a portal to the other world. And therefore it was necessary to close it when a person died in the house.

Also, it is from the ancient Slavs that the belief comes that the human soul of a deceased person can return to its own body within three calendar days and be reflected in the mirror. It was from this time that the assertion began that the human soul can get stuck in a mirror maze. The Slavs also claimed that if there is a dead person in the house and a living person looks in the mirror, therefore, the dead soul will take the living person with it, thus it turns out that there will be two dead people in the house.

Mirrors have memory

According to popular beliefs and other scientific data, the mirror must be covered for a number of other reasons. In ancient times, mirrors were made from mercury. And as you know, during the death of a person, various brain waves come out of his body, as a result of which a mirror, like a camera, absorbs various images that are emitted by the brain waves of the deceased person before death. That is why in the future the mirror can create some kind of reflection. Some scientists have even found that, in this way, the mirror reproduces phenomena such as ghosts or ghosts. In order to avoid their occurrence in your home, it is necessary to cover mirrors when a person dies in the house.

Of course, it is indisputable that currently the mirror is made using a completely different technology, which is not capable of storing information. However, the tradition of hanging mirrors or turning them away continues to this day in every home. It is also important to recall the fact that the mirror is allowed to be opened after the death of a person only after 40 days.

There are many known factors in the world when, after the death of a person, the mirror became more cloudy or various drawings appeared on its edge. Popular wisdom and specialized scientists claim that when such acts occur, it is necessary to urgently destroy the mirror, but not in your own home. Thus, each person will be able to free the soul of the deceased, which is stuck in the mirror maze. And in order for the soul to go to the Almighty, a mirror with cracks or a cloudy mirror must be broken on an open surface outside the room.

Summarizing all of the above, it should be noted that the tradition of hanging mirrors has been kept in every person’s family for many centuries. And such superstitions should never be neglected. Otherwise, the consequences can be disastrous. The soul of a deceased person can never find the desired peace. And a living person can bring various misfortunes upon his head if he does not hang up the mirror for 40 days after the death of a household member. Consequently, we can say that ancient superstitions and traditions always give modern man practical advice, thus protecting his existence from the interference of various evil forces.

It is important for every Orthodox believer to observe the church canons, which state that near a mirror one cannot offer thanksgiving or petitionary prayers and prayers directed to the Saints or the Almighty.