I spotted this on another one of my lists, and thought you might be
interested, too. 
Bill
======================================

Funeral practices of our early American ancestors:

1. From what was mourning jewelry often fashioned?  
 hair of the deceased

 2. What piece or accessory of clothing was frequently handed out
    at funerals as a gratuity -- particularly in old New England?
gloves

 3. What was it thought that this article did? 
 kept the spirit of the deceased from entering one's body
  
 4. If a disliked person died -- in early America -- who might
    have been hired to sit in front rows near the coffin and cry
    for him or her? 
 weepers

 5. It was considered an ill omen if the eyes of a corpse were
    left open, so in many regions of the United States, the eyes
    were held shut by the placement of ____ over the lids? 
 coins

 6. In what direction in the coffin were the feet of the deceased
    pointed? 
 east

 7. What happens to those who interrupt the progress of a funeral
    procession (according to old superstitious beliefs)? 
 they will attract the wrath of evil spirits

 8. What was the name of those hired to compose inscriptions for
    tombstones? 
     monument poets

 9. Why were candles lit while a corpse lay in state? 
    tradition dictated that the deceased should never be left
       in total darkness.
   
10. Most American funerals in the 1700s were conducted at what
    time of day? 
after sunset

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