I had attended a funeral for brother of a friend of mine (Hindu) several years ago and I have noticed some similarities between Hindu Burial Customs and Jewish Customs. So, I decide to share now.

Similarities one :

1. Both Hindus and Jews cover mirrors in the house and also prohibit any form of entertainment.

2. There will be Purification process done by certain groups which include prayers, washing the decease and such. In Jewish society, this is done by a group of specially trained people.

3. In Hindusm, a small oil lamp is lit by the head section of the body while in Jewish tradition, a candle.

4. The last dirt dropped by whoever doing the ritual before burial/cremation. In Hindusm, the person who does the last rites does this for the last time, in Jewish tradition, each person (in the family) does it one by one before leaving the place.

5. Food is prepared by friends and relatives upon return. The mourners are not allowed to cook themselves and they were allowed to sit and mourn in peace.

6. Those who returned from the graveyard must wash their hands/feets outside.

7. The mourning period is split into three - 7 days (called Shiva), 13 days (Sheloshim) - in Hindusm, I think its the 30th day, and 11 month.

8. Yahrzeit - anniversary of the deceased. Candles litted in memory of the deceased (while Hindus lit a ghee lamp in the local temple).


OK, that's all. Just put this thread for general knowledge. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Source :
http://www.templesanjose.org/Judaism...ycle/Death.htm
http://www.benjamins.ca/Static/shiva_background.htm

PS : Shiva is the name for the period of the 1st 7 days (1st Week) where the mourners are mourning for their lost. It not out of disrespect to Hindu God.