Death Practices in Greece

A mountainous peninsula with an astonishing 13,676 kilometers (nearly 8,500 miles) of coastline, Greece is a nation with strong, long-standing ties to the sea. Known for fishing, ship-building and maritime trade, the country sits at the intersection of Europe, Africa and Asia, and its diverse, distinctive culture reflects that. Greeks love good food, good wine, music and dancing, but are, at the same time, extremely religious. Over 98% of the population are Orthodox Christians, and the customs and norms of the country, including its rituals around death, mourning and remembrance, are heavily influenced by the teachings of the Church,

Read about some Greek beliefs and customs around death and dying below.

• Despite the Passage of Centuries, Greek Funerals Are Still Very Similar to Those Held in Ancient Times
• The Traditional Epitaph Is a Modern Invention, But It Dates Back to Ancient Greece
• In a Tradition That Dates Back Centuries, the Greek Orthodox Celebrate Easter in Unique Ways 
• The Three-Part Funeral Rites of Ancient Greece Reflected Both Fear of and Reverence for Death
• In the Mythology of Ancient Greece, the Afterlife Was a Terrifying Place Presided Over by the Tyrant-God Hades.
• The Ancient Greek Practice of Sending Clowns to Funerals Is Being Resurrected in Countries Around the World
• Symbolism Around the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Play an Important Part in Greek Easter Celebrations 
• In Ancient Greece, Mourners Are Believed to Have Captured Their Tears in Tiny Bottles That Were Then Placed in the Tomb of the Deceased.
• Was the Greek God Hermes the World’s First Death Doula? Legend Suggests He Was