Kían Funerals

History

The Kíans originally burnt the bodies of their dead in pyres out of necessity as they weren't allowed to bury the bodies in the land of those that owned them. Once the Kíans were free, the Kíans adapted it to make it a celebration of life instead of the grim way they had done things before.

Execution

The pyre is built over the course of the week with everyone who knew the deceased adding one log each. The family then build the rest of the pyre until it has nine layers of logs representing the nine gods. Then the area is decorated with flowers and míowany, very fine, brightly coloured cloth, used especially for sacred rituals. Míowany can be any colour, with bright reds, oranges and yellows being the most common at funerals. An orange owany is usually tied outside the door of the home of those who are mourning.
Funerals are conducted at night so that the stars can be seen. On the night of the funeral, someone close to the deceased, typically either their spouse, eldest child or parent, will lead a march from the deceased's home out to the pyre with the body carried between four other loved ones on a board, also decorated with míowany and flowers. Whilst marching, songs are sung in Gaervar to call upon the gods.
Once the body is placed upon the pyre, the chosen relative calls out a prayer to Júkla, the godess of the afterlife, to give their soul safe passage through the sky to the stars where they will rest forever. The congregation then all sing one last song before the pyre is lit. The ashes are allowed to scatter to the wind.

Components and tools

At least one owany cloth of any colour must be present, preferably orange. The pyre is essential as the key component is that the body is burnt.

Participants

Anyone who wishes to attend may join in the march to the pyre and join in with the songs. Five people are chosen who were especially close to the deceased to play key roles with four of them carrying the body and one leading the prayers.

Observance

Funerals must always occur at night. Ideally, the funeral happens six days after death. However, if there is persistent rain or cold weather then the funeral may be postponed until later. However, if the weather is hot then the funeral may take place sooner so that the body doesn't start to decay too much.

Related Ethnicities

• Kían