does anyone know why

[baddog]

why did they used to put coins on the eyes of dead people? anyone know?

[BigFrog]

Q: Why were coins placed on the eyes of the dead?
A: At the time of death, the muscles relax. Until the later 19th century, undertakers needed a way in which to gently hold the eyelids closed until the muscles and tissues set in a fixed position. Sometimes, the coins were left in place even though they were no longer needed. Without knowing the exact reason for using the coins, people explained their presence in another way. Harkening back to the ancient mythology, it was believed that the deceased needed money in the afterlife, especially to pay Charon who operated the ferry across the River Styx, which separated the earthly world from the underworld. Other cultures also share the belief that the dead may have to provide a payment so they are thus prepared.

[baddog]

oh, think I found it:

Q: Why were coins placed on the eyes of the dead?
A: At the time of death, the muscles relax. Until the later 19th century, undertakers needed a way in which to gently hold the eyelids closed until the muscles and tissues set in a fixed position. Sometimes, the coins were left in place even though they were no longer needed. Without knowing the exact reason for using the coins, people explained their presence in another way. Harkening back to the ancient mythology, it was believed that the deceased needed money in the afterlife, especially to pay Charon who operated the ferry across the River Styx, which separated the earthly world from the underworld. Other cultures also share the belief that the dead may have to provide a payment so they are thus prepared.

[baddog]

Originally posted by BigFrog
Q: Why were coins placed on the eyes of the dead?
A: At the time of death, the muscles relax. Until the later 19th century, undertakers needed a way in which to gently hold the eyelids closed until the muscles and tissues set in a fixed position. Sometimes, the coins were left in place even though they were no longer needed. Without knowing the exact reason for using the coins, people explained their presence in another way. Harkening back to the ancient mythology, it was believed that the deceased needed money in the afterlife, especially to pay Charon who operated the ferry across the River Styx, which separated the earthly world from the underworld. Other cultures also share the belief that the dead may have to provide a payment so they are thus prepared.

cross post

[BigFrog]

lol

[boobmaster]

Q: Why were coins placed on the eyes of the dead?
A: At the time of death, the muscles relax. Until the later 19th century, undertakers needed a way in which to gently hold the eyelids closed until the muscles and tissues set in a fixed position. Sometimes, the coins were left in place even though they were no longer needed. Without knowing the exact reason for using the coins, people explained their presence in another way. Harkening back to the ancient mythology, it was believed that the deceased needed money in the afterlife, especially to pay Charon who operated the ferry across the River Styx, which separated the earthly world from the underworld. Other cultures also share the belief that the dead may have to provide a payment so they are thus prepared.

It's an ancient tradition and was popular with the Romans. The shroud of Turin supposedly has markings which indicate that (Roman) coins were placed over the eyes of the person wrapped in the shroud .