During those four days, relatives from distant locations could travel to pay their respects, friends could visit to offer condolences, and proper mourning rituals could be observed.
After the four days of viewing, on the FIFTH day, the coffin would be transported to the burial site and interred.
Then additional memorial rituals would continue for thirteen days total—prayers, offerings, ceremonial observances.
It was a lengthy, elaborate process meant to show respect and allow proper grieving.
Samuel had bypassed basically ALL of it.
He'd rushed through the preparations in barely TWO days, had the coffin sealed and ready for burial immediately, and was planning to have his father in the ground by tomorrow morning at the latest.
When concerned relatives or household elders questioned this unseemly haste, Samuel would immediately start CRYING.
Actual tears streaming down his face as he said in a choked, emotional voice:
