What is The Book of the Dead?
The Book of the Dead is a fascinating part of history that has captivated people for centuries. It is a collection of funerary texts intended to guide people in the afterlife.
This book was originally known as the Book of Coming Forth by Day or Spells of Going Forth by Day, during the New Kingdom era of ancient Egypt (1550-1070 BC).
Its original name was derived from funerary rituals when the deceased’s heart was weighed against the feather of Maat (the goddess of justice and truth). If the scales were balanced, the deceased could pass into the afterlife… If not, the soul’s journey is over.
A section of the Book of the Dead shows the Weighing of the Heart in the Duat using the feather of Maat as the measure of balance.
An insight into the importance of The Book of the Dead in Egypt
The German Egyptologist Karl Richard Lepsius made the first translation of the book in 1842. Over time, more copies were discovered and translated into several languages, making it one of the most widely read ancient texts in history.
Book of the Dead Papyrus with Chapters 100 and 129.
Then, scholars noted that the religion of the ancient Egyptians was more complex than we thought. The rituals to ensure that souls could reach the afterlife were quite challenging because they had to comply with a series of moral rules.
By following these moral rules, the soul would have a peaceful afterlife – and the loved ones who remain on earth mourning their death, the peace of mind of knowing that they will have a happy afterlife.
Some of the moral commandments to be observed in front of Maat were:
- I have not stolen
- I have not been violent
- I have not cursed a god
- I have not told lies
- I have not transgressed the Law
- Among many others.
This shows that the moral standards of Egyptian civilization were somewhat similar to the moral values of our current societies – and that bridging the gap between the living and the dead was crucial to help alleviate the grief of families who mourn their loved ones.
What was The Book of the Dead spells used for?
The book comprises a series of spells, hymns, and instructions to ensure a safe passage into the afterlife.
The individual who has passed away should not only have followed the moral norms of the ancient Egyptian society, but should also follow the rules of the afterlife to ingratiate himself with the gods.
Cat and snake. Book of the Dead Tomb.
That’s why The Book of the Dead contains around 200 spells designed to ward off evil spirits, protect the dead person from physical harm, and ensure that they would be welcomed into the realm of the gods.
The spells range from instructions on how to pass through doors guarded by gods or demons to specific prayers to ward off evil spirits or protect against curses.
Particularly, it contains several allusions to good and evil – evil being portrayed by crocodiles that could devour their victims in the afterlife if they do not follow the Book of the Dead to the fullest extent of the law.
Book of the Dead of Hori
There are also instructions for preparing offerings to the gods, as well as detailed descriptions of funeral rites and other rituals associated with death.
… And scholars have found evidence of the text in tombs and temples throughout the Nile Valley. They were often placed in tombs alongside the deceased so that they never feel lost and vulnerable in their journey to a new life.
The most well-known example of this is from the tomb of Pharaoh Seti I, where the walls of his tomb were decorated with scenes from The Book of the Dead.
The tomb of Pharaoh Seti I.
This scene depicts the different stages of the deceased journey through his afterlife, and it also includes spells that would help the deceased navigate the underworld and pass any tests he might face.
The Book of the Dead today
Currently, The Book of the Dead remains an invaluable source of knowledge about Egyptian mythology and religion – and it provides a glimpse into what real Egyptians believed about life after death and how they prepared for it.
However, what stands out is that regardless of the place and time, we have always honored the spiritual world and the memory of our ancestors with the utmost devotion.
… It is not much different than what we do today by remembering our loved ones and wishing them well when they pass away.
That's why in Lalo, we have developed a easy-to-use platform designed for you to enjoy the most precious family memories, preserve the family stories and share them with the people you care most about.
Unlike in ancient Egypt, we can leverage technology and honor the ones we have loved the most... our grandmother, grandfather, perhaps the father or mother who is no longer with us – and have their memory always just a click away.
That's the magic of Lalo!
Ancient Egyptians could only keep a vague memory of their loved ones – and their only relief was that they would have a good afterlife, but with Lalo you can save the best moments with your loved ones... Those caresses that you will never want to forget, that last kiss from your mother, that conversation with your father that changed your life, or just a message from your brother that cheered you up in a moment of sadness.
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