Funeral Service Practice Exam

In Ancient Greek tradition, who was responsible for laying out the corpse?

1. Professional embalmers

2. Family friends

3. Female relatives

4. Community leaders

The correct answer is: Female relatives

In Ancient Greek tradition, female relatives were primarily responsible for laying out the corpse. This practice was rooted in the cultural norms of the time, where women played a significant role in managing the care and preparation of the deceased. The laying out of the body typically occurred in the family's home and was often a solemn occasion where female relatives and friends would wash and dress the body, and place it in a position of respect for mourning. Professional embalmers, while present in other cultures, were not a mainstream component of Greek funerary customs, particularly for local funerals, which often relied on familial participation. Family friends could assist, but the intimate and culturally significant task was predominantly the domain of female relatives. Community leaders may have had a role in overseeing funerals or offering eulogies, but the physical preparation of the body was intimately tied to family roles, particularly those of women.