why do some people cover pictures & mirrors ..& stop clocks when a person has died? and what cultures are thi

Answer 1

As said before it has to do with spirits being trapped in them.
Here are a few informative links:
http://www.occultopedia.com/m/mirror.htm
http://www.glassresource.com/sub/mirror/mirrhist.htm
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/500284.html
http://www.csicop.org/superstition/library/mirrors.html
http://www.nasw.org/users/markp/mirror_conversation.html

--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 2

I've always heard that the covering of mirrors was so that mourners didn't focus on their looks but on the loss of the deceased. I assume that stoping clocks is just a form of recognition, and so that again you are concerned with the death and not what time it is. Mourning shouldn't be a 3-6pm type thing. As far as covering pics that I don't have a clue about. And if I remember right I think these are normaly traits of the Jewish faith. I'm not sure though, and if I'm wrong please no one take any offence.

Answer 3

It's a Jewish custom, but other groups do it too. My boyfriend's family is Roman Catholic and they observe several of these traditions during mourning.

The reasoning behind these traditions is to try to stop time during a period of mourning. Nobody looks good after they've been crying, so covering the mirrors prevents the temptation to look and be reminded of your own misery; stopping clocks literally gives the impression that no time has passed since the deceased was with the family.

Answer 4

I have heard they cover the moirrors to keep the soul of the deceased from being caught there and trapped on earth. They stop clocks to symbolize the stopping of a life or a heartbeat. I have not heard of them covering pictures.

Answer 5

some people believe that the deceased persons spirit may be captured in the mirrors and the clock stop is so the spirit can pass on and once again not be trapped

Answer 6

The Jewish religion calls this "sitting Shiva" certain traditional religeous rules must be followed according to Jewish Law.
ie: the dead must be prepared for burial in specific manner and shouldn't be desecrated by an autopsy. Mirrors are covered in the families home, and even certain types of food mut be served.

Answer 7

interesting, i would say it is a way to mourn outside the confines of time. taking your time ya know what i mean, at your own pace. thomas

Answer 8

I think that is the Gypsies culture.