To avoid Bacteria or any other such thing from the Burial / Funeral Ground to enter into the house, or not to contaminate things by touching it; hence they tell you to take a bath or do not touch anything until you take a bath.
In the US, there would be nothing unusual about it. Some cultures believe that you should ritually cleanse yourself after services for the dead, but that is religious/cultural, rather than biological. You should not get anything on you at a funeral that would require bathing right away.
Grease on your hair is not like dust on a table. The oil and grease will accumulate; become visible to other people about a day after you can tell, and in most parts of the world, be repellent in another week.
A Filipino superstition holds that you should not go straight home after a funeral. If you do, death may follow you. So stop off somewhere else first.
It is something that is followed amongst all Hindus. After paying respects to the dead and performing the last rites it is prescribed by tradition that the person take a bath and wash his/her clothes before entering their house. This is done to purify themselves and make themselves fit for their household activities.
After the funeral, the family and close relatives to the deceased are supposed to refrain from entertainment and merry-making. This is a basic rule that should be adhered to during such times and events. A period of 49 days is prescribed for this as a way of showing respect to the departed family member.
If you have an adult with you at the funeral home, it is ok to touch a dead body, and you will not get in trouble. You are naturally curious, and sometimes when you see and touch a dead body it helps you answer your questions. Remember to be gentle and have an adult help you.
Don't bring any food home from the funeral
It is because the snacks are believed to help the deceased to stay full for the duration of the funeral. Moreover, should you do otherwise, you may either invite grave misfortunes or even the soul of the dead person itself into your household.
Carrying a coffin with the feet first helps keep it balanced and also means the deceased is being handled with great care. The funeral director will provide instructions on how to take the coffin.
Don't bring any food home from the funeral
It's believed that leaving food behind will keep the dead satisfied and full with the food at the funeral home. If you take food home with you, it either means that you'll be bringing bad luck into your household or that the dead will follow you home.
Do not visit if you have a period. If you have a period, never attempt to attend a funeral.
The Embalming Process, Step by Step
Before the embalming begins, the body is washed in a disinfectant solution. Limbs are massaged to relieve the stiffening of the joints and muscles. Any necessary shaving would also take place at this time.
For most people their mourning period is a long process and it can take years. After about two years you are likely to know the places, events and occasions that trigger your emotions. As you start to know these, you will also learn what helps you to cope with them.
It is very unlikely that meningococci would survive in a body, including the nasopharynx, for long after death, especially if the body is embalmed. Transmission of meningococci through hongi (pressing noses), kissing, or other close contact with the body is extremely unlikely.
Typically, you are allowed to touch the body at an open-casket funeral or viewing. Holding the deceased's hands or kissing their forehead are common ways to say goodbye. If there are special reasons you should not touch the body, the deceased's family or the funeral director will let you know.
This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
It is always easier to light up the upper half of the body and present the face under the best light. By covering the legs, funeral directors save time by spending lesser time lighting the lower portion of the body.
The lower part of an individual's body, specifically the legs, and feet, can swell from fluid build-up, so many choose to cover the legs in the casket.
Wearing red to a funeral would be considered inappropriate because it would clash with the somber atmosphere and be viewed as disrespectful. In some eastern cultures, red is also seen as a positive color, but it carries different connotations. Red represents luck, good fortune, and happiness.
The gathering after the funeral usually has food known as a repast. Repast food is a type of food that is often served at funerals. It is typically light and simple, such as sandwiches and finger foods.
Child's Age is a Factor at Funerals: Infants
In fact, there's a superstition that taking a baby to a funeral can result in death or an evil spirit attaching itself to the baby.
Understanding Closed Casket Funeral Protocols
In a closed casket funeral, the body is not able to be seen during the viewing or the funeral service. The casket will be closed the entire time, but that does not mean that people have to distance themselves from the body of their loved one.
Funeral etiquette: quick tips
So here's a quick round-up of what you can do to dress appropriately for most send-offs: Wear smart, modest, dark-coloured clothes. Keep your hair, makeup and jewellery simple. Don't show too much bare skin.
For open casket viewings family members are often given private time to view the body to allow them to grieve. Generally, you are not allowed to touch the body or make any comments about the person's appearance.