The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH BEFORE THE CASKET IS
CLOSED, A WHITE CLOTH, USUALLY SILK, IS PLACED ON
THE FACE OF THE DECEASED. WINE IS THEN POURED ON
THE CLOTH.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT WINE MAKES THE BODY DECAY QUICKER
AND THUS, THE SOUL ASCENDS TO HEAVEN QUICKER. IT IS
STILL PRACTICED TODAY, BY ALL EASTERN ORTHODOX PRIESTS
ALTHOUGH MOST ORTHODOX DO NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE TRUE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-07-1971