Hindu funeral traditions: Why do family members wear white clothes when someone dies? Know the reason for this

hindu customsImage Credit source: AI

why wear white after death: In India, the death of a loved one is the most difficult time for the family. In this time of grief, you must have often seen that the family members of the deceased and the people attending the funeral wear white or light colored clothes. This is not just a tradition, let us know in detail why this custom of wearing white clothes is followed at the time of mourning and what is its significance.

Religious and spiritual significance

Chastity and purity: White color is considered a symbol of purity, purity and simplicity. After death, Soul It is considered pure and it is wished for it to move on a new path. By wearing white clothes the family shows that they are creating a pure and sacred environment for the soul of the deceased.

Vairagya and renunciation: This color also represents freedom from attachment and renunciation. Wearing white clothes is to accept that the material world is temporary and one should give up worldly attachments.

peace symbol: White color is the color of peace and restraint. During times of mourning, this color helps to calm the mind and accept the grief. It is a silent expression that this tragic incident has been accepted peacefully.

New beginning: According to some beliefs, white color also symbolizes a new beginning. Death is not considered the end of one cycle of life, but the beginning of another life. White clothes represent preparation for that new chapter of life.

cultural and social reasons

Non-discriminatory color: White color is a neutral color which does not indicate any kind of social discrimination. At times of mourning, all people express their condolences equally.

Avoiding distractions: Dark and bright colors are associated with celebration and attractiveness. At the time of mourning, plain white clothes are worn so that no one’s attention goes to the clothes but to the family members who are going through the mourning at that time.

Exceptions and color in other cultures

Other colors: In many parts of the world there is a tradition of wearing black instead of white for mourning. In western culture, black color is considered a symbol of sadness and mourning.

Exceptions in India: There are also traditions of wearing other colors in some parts of India and in some communities (such as when widowed), but it is most common for family members to wear white during the funeral.

Therefore wearing white clothes on someone’s death is not just an Orthodox rule, but it is a deep symbol of purity, peace, sacrifice and social unity. It is a silent and poignant way of giving courage to the family in their time of grief and paying respect to the departed soul.

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

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