medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Christopher Crockett wrote:
> i came across a story told by a funeral director to the
> effect that "in medieval times it was believed that black should be worn to
> funeral so that the spirit of the deceased couldn't recognize the family or
> friends and follow them home."
>
> does anyone happen to know if there is any truth to this --or is it just an
> old f.d.'s tale?
Sounds like an old tale to me.
I would not be surprised to learn that black was an emulation of sack cloth
and ashes, were I to research it. Remember also, that the Christian liturgical
color for death/sorrow is Black. (Irrespective of what some modern parishes in
America may do. I have known a couple of Roman priests who had never read the
General Instructions in the front of the Sacramentary, and who were full of
bum dope, about things. When I showed them that Black was the preferred
liturgical color for funerals, they were dumbfounded.
So, without evidence to the contrary, I assume that the liturgical color for
death/sorrow being black, that the wearing of black by others is in keeping
with the meaning of black, as expressed in the Christian Liturgy.
Terrill
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