| Participants
in the funeral arrive at the home of the deceased. The cruce
or cross has the name of the deaceased, the dates of birth and death,
the initials INRI (Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm, or Jeses of Nazareth,
King of the Jews), and a ştergar, or piece of fabric
that symbolizes a major change in status, in this case, between life
and death. |
| The
doorway of the room with the body lying in wait is covered with a flag,
or doilu, with the initials of the deceased and a cross. Next
to the doilu is a cup of water meant for the soul of the deceased
and a ştergar. The ştergar has pagan
origins and is a Romanian tradition, rather than a strictly religious
symbol, but is used widely in funerals, baptisms and weddings. These
items will stay here for 40 days so the soul of the deceased, lingering
in the area, can come and drink water. |
| A
portrait of the deceased and his widow is just inside the room where
the body is lying. There is also a glass of water and a plate with bread
and sarmale, a traditional Romanian food, which is given as
alms, or pomană, for the soul of the deceased. |
Page 1 of 22
 |
Return to Ed's Photos main page
Photo and text copyright
© 2010
All rights reserved