Trauergebräuche

The practices surrounding death and bereavement in biblical culture, reflecting deep respect for the deceased. Mourning included tearing garments (Genesis 37:34), wearing sackcloth and ashes (Job 2:12, Esther 4:1), weeping and wailing (Mark 5:38), fasting (2 Samuel 1:12), and shaving the head (Job 1:20). Professional mourners were sometimes hired (Jeremiah 9:17, Matthew 9:23). Mourning periods varied: seven days for Jacob (Genesis 50:10), thirty days for Moses and Aaron (Numbers 20:29, Deuteronomy 34:8). Jesus wept at Lazarus' tomb (John 11:35), validating the expression of grief while also demonstrating resurrection power.