The Unchanging Rituals of Soviet Funerals

In the Soviet Union, funerals were marked by a blend of traditional customs and secular practices, reflecting the unique cultural and religio-political landscape of the time. Despite the official atheism promoted by the state, many Soviet citizens followed religious rites of various faiths, particularly Judaism, Islam, and Orthodoxy, with cemeteries often segregated based on religious affiliation.

Orthodox Christian Burials in the Soviet Union

My own family members, including my grandmother, infant brother, grandfather, and an aunt, were all buried in accordance with the Orthodox tradition, a stark contrast to the atheistic stance of the Soviet state. The rapid burial tradition, as dictated by Orthodox custom, was typically performed quickly, often within a few days of death. Notably, a priest was absent from the burial ceremony, yet the tombstone would invariably display an Orthodox cross, often adorned with a wooden cross that first served as a temporary marker, known to rot away before a more permanent tombstone was placed.

The Rituals at the Cemetery

On the 40th day after the death, a significant ritual, reminiscent of the Christian tradition, would see family and friends gathering for a final farewell and a pancake dinner, believed to be a method for the soul to reconnect with its loved ones during its 40-day journey.

Funerals in the Soviet Union were largely decentralized, with no funeral homes. The industry was largely state-owned and rudimentary, requiring close family and friends to take on significant responsibilities. When a person died, the body was typically released to the relatives and brought home after necessary legal formalities and, in some cases, a post-mortem examination. Generally, the funeral was held on the third day after death to allow distant relatives to inform their employers and secure travel arrangements.

Preparation and Ceremonies

Before the funeral, surviving relatives, with the help of neighbors and colleagues, would meticulously prepare the deceased for the final journey. The body would be washed and dressed in solemn attire, laid on a table if possible, and covered in black fabric to shield all mirrors in the home, a tradition believed to prevent the soul from lingering.

The funeral procession involved the carrying of the coffin feet first, symbolizing respect, traditionally by friends and neighbors, not relatives. A brass band often played Chopin’s funeral march, adding a somber and touching atmosphere. In some cases, the coffin would be carried all the way to the cemetery, accompanied by a procession of mourners.

At the cemetery, the coffin was placed on stools or dedicated supports, with more flowers brought. Friends and acquaintances would offer short speeches, praising the deceased and expressing condolences to the survivors. For military veterans, a three-round rifle salute was performed. Each guest would drop a handful of earth on the coffin, and the workers would fill in the remaining dirt, completing the ritual. At the crematory, a similar ceremony took place, with guests putting a pinch of sand in the coffin.

A Feast of Rememberance

Following the funeral, guests would be led to the funeral feast, usually held at the home of the deceased, with additional speeches and stories shared, allowing mourners to come to terms with their loss and find solace in remembrance of the departed. The entire process reflects a deeply embedded cultural practice that upheld communal support and honored the deceased, even in the face of an officially atheist state.