Why are white slippers considered a funeral attribute?

You've probably heard more than once about white slippers, which are mentioned as a mandatory accessory to the clothing, or rather, shoes of the deceased. Is this kind of footwear really necessary at a funeral, or is the mention of white slippers just a common expression? Let's figure it out.

Where did this tradition come from - putting white slippers on the deceased?

If you delve deeper into history, you can find descriptions of ancient funeral rites, even pre-Christian ones, where traditionally white shoes were put on the deceased. White color was perceived as a symbol of purity, calmness, and goodness. But why slippers?

As the old people said, there should be no knots (laces, fasteners, buckles) on the clothes of the deceased, otherwise you can “tie your soul.” If you believe this, then the choice in favor of slippers is clear - they do not have laces. But the scarf is definitely tied on the head of the deceased. Maybe the “knots” only apply to shoes? One way or another, I have believed about white slippers for many centuries.

Is it necessary to comply with this?

Funeral rites, much more than any other, have become overgrown with a variety of conventions. And all these signs sometimes vary greatly - not just in different areas, but even in different families.

In fact There are no strict and inflexible requirements for the color of funeral shoes. In Soviet times, this was treated more simply - there were no funeral service stores at all, and when there was a total shortage, they would shoe and dress the deceased without observing clear conditions. Grannies, when collecting a bundle “for death,” put quite ordinary house slippers in it. And the grandfathers, like true Soviet people without prejudices, did not worry about anything like that at all. And in religious families, as far as we know, there is not and never was such a strict tradition regarding white slippers. But now many funeral service companies offer similar shoes for the deceased. However, they also have some choice.

What do these slippers look like?

Funeral agencies offer ready-made white and black slippers. They are usually sewn from soft fabric. There is an elastic band on the heel. It is these shoes that are much easier to put on a deceased person. It can be made of satin, cotton, corduroy and even eco-leather.

Important! Funeral shoes are sewn in a special way: they do not have a hard sole, which is why even custom-made shoes can be sewn in a very short time.

What types are they?

Analyzing the offers of companies offering funeral services, we can say that shoes for funerals are usually of two colors - black and white. Often these are slippers made of soft textiles. Backdrop required. Upon special request, funeral shoes can be equipped with embroidery in various colors. More often they offer to embroider crosses or prayers.

The most expensive option is custom-made shoes made of genuine leather in white, black or beige.. The women's version of these shoes is very similar to regular flats without heels. Unless with a very soft sole. There will be no buckles, fasteners or laces on such shoes.

With the development of funeral services, problems with choosing shoes are becoming less and less. But if the old person has already prepared everything and chosen ordinary shoes, is it necessary to go against the grain and buy what is “supposed”?