The ancient Greeks were very strict about their burials and how to properly treat the dead. After someone dies, there are three distinct steps to make. The first one is prothesis, or wake, where the body is laid out. The cadaver is then washed and anointed with oils. If there are any wounds, the wounds are cleaned and dressed. If the deceased was engaged or recently married, they would wear their wedding attire. Women often wore jewelry, but it was kept with a modest tone. Crowns would also be placed on the head, either made of gold, branches, or celery. When the corpse was laid out, it was on a bed with its feet facing the door. Sometimes a coin would be placed in the mouth of the deceased to serve as a tip for Charon escorting them beyond the River Styx. The ritual lament was then sung, ending the prothesis. After the prothesis comes the ekphora, or the funeral procession. The dead body is then brought to the grave site. Sometimes this was down by a horse-drawn hearse, other times by pall-bearers carrying it. Pall-bearers were family members, but in more recent history …show more content…
Thankfully, animal and human sacrifices have gone out of style at funerals. That being said, the prothesis is very similar to how funerals are conducted today. Often times, unless the deceased reached a violent end, the casket at the funeral is open. Most would prefer to see their loved ones in a presentable state, and that is why morticians exist. Morticians will embalm the body, which is pretty much a modern form of mummification. They will also dress the cadaver in their Sunday best, and the women will often have their makeup done. During the funeral, each of the friends and family members are given a chance to say goodbye. Then, more typically in religious ceremonies, songs and prayers are said. As it is clear to see, today’s practices are very similar to the ancient Greek’s