The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ITALIAN BURIAL CUSTOM

A LAST GESTURE MADE BY THE CHILDREN OF THE PARENT, JUST
BEFORE THE COFFIN IS LOWERED INTO THE GRAVE: EACH CHILD
PLACES A SINGLE RED ROSE ON THE COFFIN OVER THE
DECEASED'S TORSO. THIS USUALLY BRINGS EMOTIONS TO A
CLIMAX--ON THE ITALIAN SIDE OF OUR FAMILY, FUNERALS
ARE VERY EMOTIONAL IN THE FIRST PLACE (USE THAT AS A
BASIS FOR WHAT WAS FIRST SAID).

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO

Date learned: 00-00-1952