medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Apparently black arm bands were worn in antiquity--Egypt and Rome. In some very
ancient cultures--Australian Aborigines for example--ashes are rubbed on the
body as a sign of mourning. I believe that black as a symbol of mourning is
ancient. I would have answered earlier, but I was looking for good references,
and guess what! I couldn't come up with anything but a few lame ones.
Interestingly in pre-Columbian Maine (the American one), red-ochre was placed
over the body in the grave. One of my childhood friend's house was located on
an ancient burial site. We totally destroyed it looking for arrow heads before
we were old enough to realize what we were doing. It had been partially
excavated earlier. Was red the color of mourning then? I don't know.
V. Kerry Inman
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