Kokkukleepimine

Kokkukleepimine refers to a traditional Estonian funeral rite, in which the deceased person is not immediately buried or cremated, but rather left exposed on a wooden platform or in a specially designed building for several weeks.

The practice is believed to have originated in Estonia during the 17th century and continued until the mid-19th century, although it is no longer a part of modern Estonian funeral customs. The deceased person was typically placed in a wooden coffin and left exposed to the elements on a platform or in a small building called a "küü").

During this time, relatives and friends would visit the deceased, offering prayers, singing, and playing music.

Kokkukleepimine was seen as a way to help the deceased person transition to the afterlife. The exposure to the elements was believed to purify the body and soul, while the visitors' prayers and songs were thought to help ease the deceased person's journey.

The rite was also seen as a way to allow the family of the deceased to mourn and pay their respects in a more extended period. The practice was often accompanied by various folk traditions, such as the singing of songs and the reading of psalms.

Although kokkukleepimine is no longer a part of modern Estonian culture, it remains an interesting example of the country's rich and diverse funeral traditions.