Funeral Novena
The ghierian funeral rite
The Funeral Novena is a traditional Ghierlight family event that occurs during the nine days after the death of a loved one. It marks the importance of family in the ghierian culture on the individual, placing it as the main responsible for the passage of the soul of the deceased to the world of the dead and the eternal rest.
Execution
The event is composed of three distinct parts: the gate, the path and the light. All are related to the journey that the soul of the deceased must tread in search of its place of eternal rest. Between each of the parts, there is an intermediate milestone, which are: the "Passage," dividing the periods of the gate and the path, and the "Arrival" between the path and the light.
The Gate
The ghierian faith counts on the existence of three gates that precede the way. The first is the gate of the body, which begins the journey to the afterlife. The soul passes through this gate at the time of the individual's death, and waits until the second gate opens, which happens during the first sunset after death. This is the gate of the spirit, when the person's soul is purified from the impurities of the material world. Finally, the third gate, the gate of the journey, opens during the second sunset. In that, the soul finally begins its journey by the path that leads to the light. This last gate is only open if the whole tradition of this first stage of the novena is fulfilled by the participants. Otherwise, the soul of the deceased will be bound to walk blindly, unable to pass through the last great gate. The first stage of the novena comprises preparation for the great event that takes place. It lasts until the end of the second sunset, counting from the moment of death. It is important to remember that in ghierian culture, the count of daylight hours begins when the sun sets, not at midnight, as is common in other parts of the world. During this period, the family of the deceased should prepare the feast. Only those who share a blood bond with the deceased can prepare food and drink, and everything should be prepared in the house where the loved one lived. None of the participants in the novena can eat until the period of the gate ends, and no one should leave the house until the whole rite ends, nine days after the death. Two courses are traditionally prepared. The first is the special course chosen by the loved one before his death. If the deceased could not choose it, a bitter herb stew is made as a substitute for this main course. The second is herbal bread: a traditional pasta, made with bitter herbs from the region - the same herbs that are used in the stew. Food should be cooked or baked, never fried, and only water and dry wine should be served as beverages. Apart from these restrictions and obligations, the variety of foods can change as the family chooses. All food must be ready and served at the table at the beginning of the second sunset, when the "Passage" begins. At this point, all participants of the novena gather around the table, hand in hand, and begin to perform prayers or chant religious songs. It is believed that thus they send their energies to the other side, opening the third gate for the soul passage of the loved one. They all remain so until the sun has completely set on the horizon.The Path
The journey by the path to the light lasts six days, from the end of the second sunset after death. At that time, participants should not leave the house where the event occurs, and should only eat the food that was prepared during the stage of the gate, drinking water and dry wine. However, they should not eat the special course chosen by the deceased before the last day of the novena. This is a moment of mourning, in which the participants dedicate themselves to thinking about the life of the deceased. Constant prayers are performed so that the journey of the loved one is pleasing to the eyes of the gods, and that they guide that soul to the light of eternity. Before the last part of the event - the light, the "Arrival" occurs. This moment marks the end of the journey, and everyone makes a toast to the deceased. It is common for families to rejoice in this moment, with songs, dances and laughter. Finally, the most anticipated stage of the event begins, when the soul finally disengages from everything that holds it to the material world and attains eternal rest.The Light
Beginning at the end of the eighth sunset after the death, this last step marks the final moment of the soul, when it finally becomes free to inhabit the world of the dead. This moment lasts until the end of the ninth sunset, ending the funeral novena. During that day, the special course can be enjoyed, and all participants should eat and drink at will. To ensure that the rite has been successfully completed, all food must be consumed by those present, leaving nothing left until the end of the event. In fact, it is common to keep a single loaf of herbs to be eaten during the sunset. The familiar with the blood tie closest to the deceased person is the one who eats the last piece, traditionally.Participants
The main group of this event is undoubtedly the family. On it is the responsibility to prepare all the food, ensuring that there is no shortage to feed everyone during the path, and not on after the final celebration of the light. In addition, the person with the blood tie closest to the deceased is the one who should begin the prayers during the "Passage" as well as the toast during the "Arrival", and ingest the last piece at the end of the event. The close friends of the deceased also participate in the event, but are not allowed to prepare or assist during the moment of the gate.
" It is interesting to note how ghierian culture is based on the duties of the family towards each individual. So much so that even the possibility of achieving eternal rest falls as the responsibility of family members, not just the deceased. (...) If, on the one hand, this encourages the strengthening of family ties and progeny, on the other hand, it makes the burden of those who, being orphans, fate made it impossible to meet the family. "
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