Susannite Funeral
Funeral is one of the most important milestones of a person's life. It marks the end of their existence in Atamor. It is believed that in the moment of death every living being returns to the Heart of Existence located in the Forge of Worlds. However, if a proper ritual isn't observed the soul of the dead will stay in the world and be lost.
Execution
The funeral has a strict format which is followed to the letter.
Priest
Family of the deceased
Friends of the deceased and any other people invited by the family
Participants
The ceremony
The ceremony takes place in a special church known as the Gate of the Dead. The body of the deceased is placed on a catafalque almost completely naked. Only the so-called "private parts" are covered with pieces of white cloth. In the beginning, the priest reads an excerpt from the Book of Irenaeus. The excerpt is chosen by the deceased's closest family and the priest before the ceremony. After the reading the partner, child or parent of the deceased comes to the catafalque and lights a torch. Then, while saying a prayer to Lady Susanne, they set the body on fire starting from the legs. It is belived that burning the body severs the soul's bond to the world and allows it to enter the Heart of Existence. Everyone gathered waits in silence until the body is burned. The ceremony ends at that moment. What remains from the body is buried by the priest in a mass grave next to the church.Lady Susanne, accept the soul of your faithful servant into the Heart of Existence.
Lady Susanne, help and guide us through that period of grief as we prepare to join them in the Heart of Existence.
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