Sabine Baring-Gould: 'The universal practice of closing the eyes of the dead may be thought to have originated in the desire that he might be prevented from seeing his way.'

The universal practice of closing the eyes of the dead may be thought to have originated in the desire that he might be prevented from seeing his way.

In the world of funeral customs and rituals, there is one practice that is nearly universal: the closing of the eyes of the deceased. Sabine Baring-Gould, an English scholar and writer, once mused on the origins of this custom, suggesting that it may have stemmed from a desire to prevent the departed from seeing their way. At first glance, his interpretation might appear simplistic, but upon closer examination, it offers a glimpse into the intricacies of human perception and the philosophical notions of the afterlife.Baring-Gould's quote can be succinctly understood as the belief that closing the eyes of the dead is rooted in a desire to protect them from witnessing the unknown journey that lies ahead. From a practical standpoint, it is a symbolic gesture of respect and closure, signifying the end of life and the transition to the afterlife or whatever lies beyond. In this sense, the quote touches upon a fundamental aspect of human nature – the instinctual need to shield oneself from the uncertainty and fear associated with the great unknown.However, beyond its surface interpretation lies an opportunity to delve into a broader philosophical concept – the nature of vision itself. When one contemplates the idea that closing the eyes of the deceased prevents them from seeing their way, it raises intriguing questions about the significance of sight in the context of life and death. Sight is often associated with understanding, acquiring knowledge, and perceiving the world around us. Baring-Gould's suggestion invites us to consider whether this act of closing the eyes is not only a symbolic gesture but also a symbolic closure of the deceased's ability to comprehend or navigate their spiritual journey.To fully explore this concept, let's compare and contrast Baring-Gould's interpretation with an unexpected philosophical perspective, borrowed from the Islamic tradition. In Islam, it is believed that after death, the deceased undergoes a process known as "barzakh," wherein they exist in a state of consciousness between the earthly life and the hereafter. During this stage, the soul is thought to be aware of its surroundings, including the visitations of loved ones, angels, or even torments if destined so. In Islam, it is customary not to close the eyes of the deceased but rather to leave them open, allowing the spirit to witness its inter-dimensional journey.This divergence in funeral customs highlights the diversity of human beliefs and perceptions regarding the afterlife. While Baring-Gould's interpretation is anchored in a desire to protect the deceased from witnessing the unknown, the Islamic tradition perceives the continued presence of consciousness and the potential for divine encounters.Importantly, both interpretations acknowledge a fundamental human apprehension towards the intangible and the inexplicable. They reflect the innate human desire to shape our environment and experiences, even in the face of death and the mysteries that lie beyond its threshold. Whether one chooses to honor the closing of the eyes or opt to leave them open, it is with these underlying motivations that we seek solace and make sense of the journey that awaits.In conclusion, Sabine Baring-Gould's quote unveils a significant aspect of funeral customs – the universal practice of closing the eyes of the dead. While hinting at a desire to prevent the deceased from witnessing the unknown path that lies ahead, it also serves as a springboard for contemplating deeper philosophical concepts surrounding perception and the nature of the afterlife. By comparing and contrasting Baring-Gould's perspective with an unexpected Islamic tradition, we gain insight into the diverse attitudes and beliefs that shape our understanding of death, reminding us of the unique ways in which humanity grapples with the mysteries beyond mortal existence.