Significance of Funeral offering
Funeral offering encompasses various rituals and practices aimed at honoring the deceased across different texts, such as Purana and Dharmashastra. It includes the performance of rituals that express mourning, the presentation of gifts and ceremonial items, and offerings made to appease ancestral spirits. These may involve responsibilities of family members, especially in the absence of heirs, and often include specific rituals like the offering of cakes. Historically, funeral offerings also involved gifts like slaves, reflecting ancient customs in honoring the dead.
Synonyms: Memorial offering, Tribute, Oblation, Donation, Gift, Sacrifice
In Dutch: Begrafenisoffer; In Finnish: Hautajaislahja; In Spanish: Ofrenda funeraria
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Funeral offering'
Funeral offerings in Hinduism encompass sacrificial acts, rituals, and gifts honoring the deceased, aimed at appeasing ancestral spirits, reflecting loss, and fulfilling familial obligations, while also highlighting respect for family lineage and ancestral ties.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The practice of offering cakes as a form of respect and obligation to deceased ancestors upon receiving inheritance.[1] (2) Rituals and offerings made to honor deceased family members, which are denied to those excommunicated from the family.[2] (3) Rituals conducted after death to honor the deceased, which may involve responsibilities of brothers in the absence of direct heirs.[3] (4) Ritualistic gifts or acts, such as cakes, made to honor deceased ancestors, which an adopted son does not participate in for his progenitor.[4]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A sacrifice or gift made in remembrance of the deceased, often intended to appease or honor ancestral spirits.[5]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A sacrificial act performed during funerals that uses Rik-verses, Yajus-formulas, and Samans to enhance the merit and effectiveness of the offering.[6]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Offerings made to the manes during specific times, reflecting respect for ancestors.[7]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Gifts made during rituals to honor and appease the spirits of deceased ancestors.[8]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Rituals and gifts made in honor of the deceased.[9] (2) Rituals performed for the deceased, representing Dasharatha鈥檚 feelings of loss and mourning.[10]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Ritual offerings made to deceased family members, often including food and ceremonial items during the mourning process.[11]
The concept of Funeral offering in local and regional sources
Funeral offering encompasses gifts tied to funeral rites, emphasizing ancient customs, which historically included the sacrifice of slaves to honor the deceased, showcasing the cultural significance of death rituals within specific regions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Gifts associated with the funeral rites, including slaves who were slaughtered in honor of the deceased, reflecting ancient customs.[12]