Hello everyone! I was feeling extra spooky lately with Halloween almost upon us and decided to dive into more superstitions. Today’s post will focus on superstitions surrounding Funerals and Cemeteries. Tomorrow’s will be on death in general. Definitely some morbid topics here to readers be warned. Please feel free to comment any superstitions you may have heard before that I did not list below! These topics are just so fascinating to me and I’d love to expand on some in separate blog posts! Enjoy my spooky peeps.
10. Tombstones
It is said that tombstone are made (especially when in the shape of a cross) to keep the spirit within and held down from getting out. Might do a whole article on the history of tombstones because I find this very fascinating.
9. Whistling
Some believe that whistling in a cemetery can summon the Devil.
8. Flowers
It is said that those who take flowers from a grave will be cursed. Unless it’s a family member or a loved one, I’d say stealing flowers from a grave is a right to be haunted.
7. Walking Over A Grave
Walking over a grave is considered bad luck. Or in my opinion it’s just called common courtesy unless it can’t be avoided while wondering through.
6. Departing
A newly deceased body should be taken away from the home or funeral parlor feet-first. This ensure that they are looking forward. Should it be reversed and they are looking back, legend has it the deceased will beckon someone from the building to join them in death soon.
5. Placement
It is believed in some religions and cultures that the deceased should be buried West to East with some stating that the head should be at the West end and East being at their feet. Other believe the opposite. It depends on the religion.
4. After Hours
Maybe there is a reason many cemeteries have signs that say ‘closed at dusk or no trespassing after dark.’ It is believed that entering a cemetery after dark is extremely bad luck. Or ya know, in my opinion, just super creepy. How To Be Haunted 101.
3. Chills
If you feel a chill run through your body or up your spine, lore has it someone has just walked over your future grave site.
2. White Gloves
It is believed that pallbearers should always wear white gloves when carrying the casket so the spirit of the deceased cannot enter them.
1. Hold Your Breathe
I think this is one of the most common superstitions revolving around cemeteries. Now given that could just be because I grew up believing it, but hey I think it’s common either way. Basically the belief is that when driving by a cemetery one must hold their breathe during the entirety or the passing. Failing to due so or not being able to hold it for long enough will lead to what I was told was a ghost following you home or haunt you. Other versions of the lore say that if you do this to avoid an evil spirit from entering you.
Toria's Tales 