Russian people have unique customs and traditions surrounding deaths and funerals for their loved ones. Usually, we tend to think of the stereotypical Christian funeral when someone passes on, however, this can be pretty different to what Russian families do. Whether you're interested in Russian funeral customs or attending your first funeral, this article will provide you with the traditions and etiquette you should know about Russian Orthodox funerals. 

Generally, the Russian people have many superstitions regarding why people die, and they have been passed on to generations throughout the centuries. Their tradition depicts that people die in either good or a bad way. A good death includes one that comes naturally at the end of an individual’s life, like an older person passing away. On the other hand, a bad death involves when a person dies unexpectedly before their time, such as due to terminal illnesses or accidents. 

After a loved one dies in a Russian community, the family members should stop the clocks in the home and cover their mirrors. This is because they believe that mirrors are gateways to the land of the deceased. Therefore, the first person to see themselves in a mirror after someone passes will be next. Stopping the clock is believed to help the soul of the dead move faster into the afterlife. Immediately after one dies, the family members should wash the body and clothe it in white. Also, the body is wrapped in a belt as a sign of protection and left in an open casket for three days for friends and family to view and pay last respect. After viewing, the funeral service commences taking strict steps. The guest should circle the open casket in an anti-clockwise direction. During this time, the mourners kiss the deceased person's body while placing flowers on them. The body is covered with a burial shroud when the ceremony is over. 

While funerals are always a sad event, Russian funerals are particularly sombre. Guests are encouraged to express their emotions and grief, as it's believed that this strong emotion can help the deceased person's soul to enter the afterlife more easily.

Even though open caskets are standard in most parts of the globe, there is specific etiquette you should know about Russian funerals. Guests should move around the casket in an anti-clockwise direction during the Russian Orthodox wake. Also, they are welcome to kiss and place flowers on the body. 

One of the most common gifts at Russian Orthodox funerals is flowers which should be brought in an even number. This is because Russians believe that numbers significantly influence these times when odd numbers are used as celebration symbols, such as weddings or birthdays. 

While losing a loved one is overwhelming, the feeling can be even more when you have to organize their funerals. Fortunately, you can contact a reliable funeral director providing Russian orthodox funerals in Sydney for the best funeral service for your loved one.