Month's mind facts for kids
A month's mind is a special church service. It is held about one month after someone has died. This service helps people remember the person who passed away. It is often a requiem mass, which is a type of Mass for the dead.
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What is a Month's Mind?
A month's mind is a way to honor someone after they die. It happens about 30 days after their death. This tradition helps families and friends remember their loved one. It also gives them a chance to pray for the person's soul.
History of the Month's Mind
Early Beginnings
The idea of remembering the dead goes back a long time. In medieval England, people held services and feasts. These events took place one month after someone died. They were called "minding days."
The historian Bede wrote about these days. He called them commemorationis dies, meaning "days of remembrance." This tradition might have come from old Norse customs. The Norse people had a practice called minne. This involved ceremonial drinking to honor the dead.
Old English Traditions
The phrase "Minnying Days" comes from an old Saxon word. It refers to days when people remembered the dead. During these times, special prayers or services were held. These services were like daily prayers or funeral songs. The phrase "month's mind" is still used today in places like Lancashire, England.
Month's Mind Today
In Ireland, the month's mind is still very common. For Roman Catholics, families and close friends attend a special Mass. After the Mass, they often share a meal together. This continues the tradition of remembrance and community support.
Historical Examples of Services
People often left instructions for their month's mind in their wills. These instructions showed how important the service was.
Thomas Windsor's Wishes
For example, Thomas Windsor died in 1479. He asked for a hundred children under 16 to pray for his soul. He also wanted candles to burn before the cross in his church. Twenty priests were to be paid to sing special songs for him.
Large Commemorations
Big month's mind services were sometimes held. In 1536, a service was mentioned involving Thomas, Lord Cromwell. A hundred priests took part in the requiem Mass for someone.
Special sermons were also given at these events. One of the earliest printed sermons was in 1509. It was given by John Fisher, a bishop, for Lady Margaret Beaufort. She was a very important noblewoman.
