In Athens, the burial customs are quite different from those in many other countries. When a body is lowered into the grave, the coffin lid is placed on top but does not fully close. The earth comes in direct contact with the coffin, which helps the body decay more quickly. This practice is connected to a popular belief that the soul of the deceased remains in suspense until the body, the “temple” it inhabited, has returned to dust.
Renting Graves
Graves in Athens are usually rented for a set number of years, rather than being permanently owned. Only the wealthy can afford to buy burial lots or tombs. Owning a grave is seen as a sign of social status and aristocracy. Poor families rarely consider purchasing a burial plot, as it would be viewed as an unnecessary luxury. After the rental term ends, the bones are dug up, placed in a labeled bag with the name and dates of the deceased, and stored in a communal repository. This system allows cemeteries to be reused while still respecting the memory of the dead Plundering of the Acropolis.
Public Funerals and Their Origins
In Athens, it is traditional to carry the body to the grave in full view of the community. This custom may seem unusual to foreigners, but it has historical roots. During the Turkish occupation of Greece, the country was in a constant state of revolution. The Turks strictly forbade the importation of arms and ammunition, and Greek revolutionaries often smuggled these items in coffins.
Similarly, people who were wanted by the authorities or exiled revolutionary leaders were sometimes transported in coffins to avoid capture. To prevent this, the Turkish authorities required that all dead bodies be exposed to public view. Over time, this precaution became a long-standing tradition, and today, public funerals are a normal part of Greek life, reflecting both history and cultural continuity.
Respect for the Dead
Although the practice may appear unusual, it demonstrates the Greek respect for the deceased and the importance of community awareness. Public funerals ensure that everyone in the neighborhood can pay their respects, and the system of renting graves allows even the limited space of city cemeteries to be used efficiently. These customs combine practical needs, historical influence, and cultural beliefs, making Greek burial practices unique and deeply connected to the country’s history Tour Packages Bulgaria.
