The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MOST OF THE BURIAL RITES ARE THE SAME AS HERE IN
AMERICA. IF THE MAN WAS A DUKE OR RULER OF LITHUANIA,
THEN IT WAS TOLD THAT HE IS/WAS TO BE BURIED TOGETHER
WITH ALL OF HIS HUNTING DOGS, HIS FAVORITE HORSE/ES,
WEAPONS, CLOTHES AND JEWELRY. THE WIFE WASN'T REQUIRED
TO BE BURNED WITH HER HUSBAND, BUT SEVERAL DUKES'
WIVES THREW THEMSELVES VOLUNTARILY INTO THE FLAMES.
SEVERAL CENTURIES LATER, THEY BELIEVED IN BURIAL
GROUNDS AND COFFINS, BUT AFTER THE FUNERAL FOLLOWED
A BANQUET WITH FOOD, DRINKS, DANCING AND SINGING.
IT IS/WAS TOLD THAT IF THE PEOPLE DON'T MOURN TOO
MUCH, THEN GOD WILL ACCEPT HIM INTO HEAVEN, BECAUSE
HE ISN'T PUSHED INTO ACCEPTING THAT PERSON.

Where learned: SOUTHFIELD ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Date learned: 03-25-1972