Identify the different funeral practices in the Book of the days
In the Book of the Days by Hugh Lofting, there are several different funeral practices mentioned. Some of them include:
1. Sea Burial: In one chapter, it is mentioned that the fisherman community in the town performs sea burials for their deceased. When someone from the community passes away, their body is placed in a simple wooden coffin and taken out to sea on a small boat. The coffin is then lowered into the water, and the body is left to rest peacefully in the sea.
2. Traditional Burial: In another chapter, it is described that the villagers in the town bury their deceased loved ones in a cemetery located on a hill. The bodies are placed in coffins and then buried in individual graves. Simple tombstones mark each grave, serving as a memorial for the departed.
3. Funeral Procession: When someone passes away, it is customary for the villagers to hold a funeral procession. The body is placed in a decorated carriage or hearse, and family and friends follow behind the vehicle as it makes its way through the town. The procession ends at the chosen burial site, where the body is laid to rest.
4. Wake: In some instances, it is mentioned that the villagers hold a wake after a person's passing. A wake is a gathering where family and friends come together to remember the deceased, share stories, and offer support to the grieving family. It often involves food, drinks, and a time for reminiscing about the life of the person who has passed away.
Overall, the funeral practices in the Book of the Days depict a mix of sea burials, traditional burials, funeral processions, and wakes, showing the diverse ways in which different communities honor and remember their departed loved ones.