Crowds of friends and acquaintances gather outside the house, awaiting the arrival of the family with the body. When they come, they are embraced and supported into the house amidst wailing and tears, for a prayer vigil lasting all night and into the morning.
Most of those in attendance aren't doing a great deal apart from standing around, but their presence and prayers are a concrete expression of solidarity with and support for the bereaved.
It's heart-rending to see emotional devastation so physically, openly and noisily expressed, yet I can't help but think it seems a healthier way to deal with loss than our repression and stoicism, both for the family and the community.
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