Memorial dates in Kazakh funeral and memorial rites (Ideological foundations and origins)

Abstract

This article discusses the origin and nature of the memorial dates: seventh, fortieth days and a year from the date of death. The author concludes
that the funeral and memorial dates have nothing common with Islamic
customs, and have very ancient roots. This is a complex of religious rituals
of sending­off the soul of the deceased to the «world of the dead». According to the researcher’s opinion all of the customs and rites which are
performed at the person’s birth are repeated with particular accuracy after
his death.