Death & Dying customs in CR

Our next door neighbor, Maria, had her father living with her and her family while he was dying of cancer. The following is a combination of our observations and what we have been told.
- Shortly after he died, the ‘mortician’ arrived in a late model Volvo station wagon to deliver the coffin. We understand that not only did they deliver the coffin but they lifted the already clean body (done respectfully by close family or friends) into it and placed it (the coffin) in a place of the home suitable for viewing by family and friends.
- The next afternoon, the ‘mortician’ returned and took the closed casket to the church.
- After the funeral at the church, family and friends WALK behind the vehicle carrying the casket to the cemetery to be buried. All this occurs within 24 hours of death AND without having the body embalmed.
- In keeping with tradition, each day for the 9 days after the funeral, the family welcomes family and friends to come into their home for prayers. On the 9th day the family provides a meal to all in attendance.
- Prayers for the deceased are done in the home by family and friends every month on the same date as the death through to the one year anniversary of the death.