järelmõõtude

Järelmõõtude is a term used in Estonian language to refer to the measurements taken after a person's death. This practice is a part of the traditional Estonian funeral rites and is believed to determine the deceased's fate in the afterlife. The measurements are taken by a professional called a "järelmõõtja," who uses a special tape measure to record the length of the deceased's body, from the tip of the longest finger to the tip of the longest toe.

The length of the body is believed to indicate the deceased's social status and wealth in the afterlife. A longer body is associated with a higher social status and greater wealth, while a shorter body is associated with a lower social status and poverty. The järelmõõtude are typically taken within a few days of death and are considered an important part of the funeral rites, as they help to ensure a smooth transition for the deceased into the afterlife.

The practice of järelmõõtude is not widely known outside of Estonia and is often misunderstood or dismissed as a superstitious belief. However, it is an important cultural practice for many Estonians and is deeply rooted in their traditional funeral rites. The järelmõõtude are typically kept as a memento of the deceased and are sometimes displayed in the home as a reminder of the deceased's presence.