Jews primarily cover mirrors during the shiva period, the initial seven-day intense mourning period observed after the death of a close relative. This practice serves as a profound reminder to shift focus away from personal appearance and instead concentrate entirely on the grieving process and the memory of the deceased.
The Practice During Shiva
During shiva, Jewish mourners typically remain at home, where friends and family visit to offer comfort and support. This period is dedicated to processing loss and receiving condolences, with various customs designed to facilitate this solemn time. Covering mirrors is a significant part of these customs, underscoring a temporary withdrawal from worldly concerns.
Focus on Mourning, Not Appearance
The act of covering mirrors during shiva is a deliberate choice made by many Jewish mourners to emphasize their mourning and detach from their appearance. It removes the daily temptation to focus on self-adornment or vanity, ensuring that attention remains on the spiritual and emotional needs of grief.
This custom aligns with other traditional mourning practices during shiva, which include:
- Refraining from Personal Grooming: Mourners often avoid haircuts, shaving, and extensive washing or grooming.
- Simple Attire: Wearing non-leather shoes and simpler clothing is common, symbolizing humility and detachment from comfort.
- Minimizing Distractions: The overall intent is to minimize personal comforts and distractions, allowing mourners to fully engage with their grief and the support of their community.
By covering mirrors, mourners are encouraged to look inward and reflect on their loss, rather than outward at their physical self. This communal and personal focus on grief is central to the Jewish mourning process, providing a structured yet empathetic framework for healing.
