The Back-Folk: Day XXII
Funerals: cremation, traditions, bogs
The majority of Back-Folk are cremated, and so the most common funeral traditions are associated with the preparation and management of the cremation itself. The body is prepared and placed on a bier, with spiderweb lace placed over the eyes. This is prepared by the deceased’s tribe, and there follows a procession through the community from the tribal home. This procession is made up originally of the key mourners, the tribe, with others joining as it passes.
It is thought, but not confirmed, that the destination of the procession is the dùn, likely partially for practical reasons as there is less chance of an open fire catching the woodland alight there. The procession begins as the light is falling, and the cremation itself takes place after sunset. After the ceremony and the cremation, it is tradition for those closest to the deceased to stay up all night until the bier and body and associated wood and kindling has all burned down. It is their responsibility to sweep the ash for later distribution (an Owner of the Flame is present throughout, to ensure that everything is managed appropriately).
It appears there are slightly different traditions for Elders. It is suspected that a deceased Elder is buried in some of the more boggy wetlands that are monitored throughout the woodland, the body being sunk into the earth and preserved. This suspicion, however, is based on a handful of throwaway comments or observations, and there is no firm evidence to prove this is indeed the case.
