Funerals and remembrance: spices that mark them

Funerals and remembrance use food, incense and spice as acts of respect, comfort and memory, and practices vary greatly among traditions and families.

Incense and fragrance

Frankincense, myrrh, camphor and sandalwood are burned in many traditions at funerals and memorials. Cloves, cinnamon and other aromatic spices have been used in funeral rites in several cultures, and in ancient Egypt resins and spices were used in embalming.

Memorial foods

Foods such as kolyva in Orthodox communities, sweet bread and soul cakes in parts of Europe, and pan de muerto in Mexico mark days of remembrance. They often contain cinnamon, anise, aniseed or cloves.

Shared meals

A shared meal after a funeral brings family and neighbours together. Dishes are simple and are chosen according to the faith and region.