Passing a baby over a casket is an old superstition and funeral tradition meant to ensure the baby has a long and healthy life. While the origins of this practice are unclear, some believe it started in rural America in the 19th century. Below we’ll explore the history, meaning, and debate around passing babies over caskets at funerals.
What is the superstition behind passing a baby over a casket?
The superstition goes that if a baby is passed over the casket at a funeral, they will be blessed with a long life free of illness or misfortune. By hovering the baby just above the casket, it’s believed they absorb the positive traits and longevity of the deceased person. This is meant to give the infant protection and vitality as they grow up.
Passing the baby over the casket is thought to be most effective if done at the funeral of a family member or close community member. The loved one is seen as continuing to provide for the baby even after death. Some think the deceased’s spirit stays near the casket and blesses the child as they pass over.
What are the origins of this funeral tradition?
The origins of passing babies over caskets are unknown, but many link it to 19th century rural America. Some sources suggest it began with certain religious groups, such as German Baptists and Seventh-day Adventists in the Midwest and South. Areas with high infant mortality rates were especially superstitious about protecting young children.
It may have also started within African American communities during slavery. Their high infant deaths led to traditions to bless and protect babies. Passing them over caskets was seen as invoking the dead ancestor’s spirit to watch over the living child.
The rural, religious nature of early America meant a mix of spiritual faiths and superstitions took hold. Caskets and funeral gatherings provided the opportunity to bless babies while remembering the dead.
How is the tradition carried out?
When performed today, passing a baby over a casket is done in a slow, symbolic manner. Typically, the parents or other close family members will hold the baby just over the casket as mourners file by to pay final respects.
The baby may be moved along the length of the casket from foot to head. Sometimes the motion is repeated three times to solidify the protective blessing. The baby is not permitted to actually touch the casket, as the caskets hold a deceased person’s physical remains.
If multiple babies are present at the funeral, they may take turns being passed over the casket to receive the blessing. Even into childhood, babies who were hovered over the casket are seen to have a special connection to the deceased.
Why is this controversial today?
While still practiced in some communities, passing newborns over caskets has become controversial in recent decades. Critics argue several points, including:
- It minimizes a solemn occasion meant to mourn the deceased
- It can distract from the funeral proceedings and service
- The superstition itself is morbid or even offensive
- It risks dropping or injuring the often small and fragile baby
Additionally, many people today consider funerals private affairs reserved for family and close friends. Bringing babies into mourning rituals doesn’t align with more modern sensibilities.
Public health concerns have also limited once-common funeral traditions. Restrictions enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic caused many communities to rethink conventions like passing babies over caskets.
Is this an outdated tradition?
For most mainstream funerals today, passing newborns over caskets is seen as an outdated tradition. Rising secularism and changing beliefs around death mean fewer families find it appropriate. But the practice still continues in some rural and religious communities.
Supporters argue mourning brings people together through rituals, especially during difficult times. If the family embracing the tradition sees it as honoring the deceased, they consider the act meaningful even if its origins are debatable.
But for most modern families, any funeral activities involving young children tread an awkward line. While remembering those lost remains important, efforts focus on conducting respectful, discrete ceremonies.
Conclusion
Passing babies over caskets at funerals connects to old rural and religious superstitions around protecting infants and invoking the spirits of deceased loved ones. While the origins are hazy, some communities in 19th century America saw hovering babies over caskets as blessing them with health and longevity.
This practice remains controversial today given changing views on mourning and public health concerns. But families wishing to carry on the tradition still see spiritual meaning in the act. Distracting or outdated to some, hallowed and profound to others, passing babies over caskets represents the diverse ways communities approach death’s mysteries.