Death

An enormous amount of tradition is bound up with death. In most cultures, death has traditionally been regarded not as an end, but a beginning. Ancient Greeks spoke of a paradisiacal existence in the Elysian Fields. In the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, people believe in a state of Nirvana, while the Christian tradition relates stories of Heaven and Hell. Belief in the soul permeates almost all societies.

Funeral Crosses

Another old tradition is the placing of a little wooden cross in a skeogh every time a funeral passes on the way to the cemetary. The cross is placed by a relative of the deceased.

Funeral Crosses

Funeral Crosses

Another old tradition is the placing of a little wooden cross in a skeogh every time a funeral passes on the way to the cemetary. The cross is placed by a relative of the deceased.

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In Irish folk tradition, the soul was often seen as entering the body through the skull-cleft, and leaving by the same exit in death. A number of pishogues (folk beliefs or “superstitions”) were associated with illness. It was often considered bad luck to visit somebody when returning from a funeral, most likely because it was considered that the dead, or the fairies, were more likely to be present at that time and thus “take” the sick person. Every effort was made to keep the fire stoked, with its glowing embers symbolising the life of the patient.

As death nears, efforts were made to ease their passage. The doors and windows were opened. Sometimes, a hole was made in the wall or thatched roof to allow the spirit to escape. The person was sometimes taken from the bed and laid on straw on the floor, the idea being that the wild bird’s feather could prolong the struggle.
 

It was thought lucky to die during the twelve days of Christmas, as the gates of Heaven stayed open during this time and sinners could enter freely.