asárda

Asárda is a term primarily used in the context of ancient Mesopotamian cultures, particularly in Sumerian and Akkadian societies. It refers to a type of funerary offering or funerary meal. These offerings were typically provided to the deceased as a means of sustenance and veneration in the afterlife. The practice of providing asárda was deeply rooted in the Mesopotamian belief system, which posited that the deceased continued to exist in the underworld and required provisions.

These offerings could take various forms, including food, drink, and sometimes even material goods. The intention behind the asárda was to ensure the comfort and well-being of the departed soul, thereby maintaining a connection between the living and the dead. Rituals surrounding the asárda often involved specific ceremonies and prayers conducted by family members or priests. The practice highlights the importance of ancestor worship and the continuation of social bonds beyond death in ancient Mesopotamian societies. Evidence for asárda practices can be found in cuneiform texts, tomb inscriptions, and archaeological findings. The precise details and variations of asárda offerings could differ across different periods and city-states within Mesopotamia.