Ukraiins'ke is also a popular
choice as a funeral garment. It is believed that the coffin
cannot be prepared in advance, though wood for it may be
purchased. All the other necessities, however, may and should
be set aside well in advance and most people over the age
of 50 have a funeral bundle. Thus, people purchase and set
aside the cloth needed to line a coffin and to cover it
on the outside. They buy the prokhidna, a piece of paper
with a strip called a vinchyk, or wreath, that gets cut
off and placed across the forehead of the deceased and a
prayer that is read at grave side and then folded and placed
in the pocket of the dead person. They buy crosses, one
to wear around the neck and a larger one to place in the
hands. They may purchase the candles that are lit during
the funeral service. Rushnyky and kerchiefs that will be
given as presents to the gravediggers, pallbearers, and
others who help with the funeral are typical items to acquire
and place in the funeral bundle. And, of course, the deceased
needs a full set of clothing from undergarments, to sock
and shoes, to ukraiins'ke or modern clothes.
