Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 August 1898 — Three Spadefals Each. [ARTICLE]

Three Spadefals Each.

When a Jew Is buried his relatives do not leave the graveside till the coffin is covered with earth. Moreover, in order to show their regard for the deceased, they perform with their owij hands part of the actual burial. Each of the relatives and friends present throws three spadefuls of earth on to the coffin before he leaves it. The sight is moving in the extreme. The griefstricken mourner, almost in a state of coHapse, is supported by a couple of friends, while with trembling hands he performs this last act of respect towards a parent, brother, sister, or child. Then he is gently led aside while all the others present reverently do the same in turn.