Why forty days?

drilago99

What is the forty days of grieving?
Why is a forty day memorial service conducted after a person's departure?
When a bishop passes away, why (if there is) such a thing as grieving for forty days?

Thanks for the clarifications. :)

mikeforjesus

Probably because the children of Israel wept 40 days for Moses

mark.naguib7

[quote author=drilago99 link=topic=13804.msg160760#msg160760 date=1351517437]
What is the forty days of grieving?
Why is a forty day memorial service conducted after a person's departure?
When a bishop passes away, why (if there is) such a thing as grieving for forty days?

Thanks for the clarifications. :)

I have asked before and the answer was that it came from Pharaonic not Christian origins.

drilago99

[quote author=mikeforjesus link=topic=13804.msg160761#msg160761 date=1351517973]
Probably because the children of Israel wept 40 days for Moses



They only wept 30 days for Moses. "And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. So the days of weeping and mourning for Moses ended." (Deut 34:8 )

[quote author=Copticandproud link=topic=13804.msg160764#msg160764 date=1351524056]
[quote author=drilago99 link=topic=13804.msg160760#msg160760 date=1351517437]
What is the forty days of grieving?
Why is a forty day memorial service conducted after a person's departure?
When a bishop passes away, why (if there is) such a thing as grieving for forty days?

Thanks for the clarifications. :)

I have asked before and the answer was that it came from Pharaonic not Christian origins.


I think so too.

mikeforjesus

you are right my error

mabsoota

many south asians from all religions commemorate 40 days too.
it seems to be a good point at which to start preparing for life after bereavement.
it is not a requirement in our religion, but it is a nice cultural ritual that
helps us express grief and i think it also helps us to move on.