Nokanshi

By Crusader1307

In Ancient Japan, what were considered Morticians – or ‘’Nokanshi’’, were Persons who prepared The Dead for proper burial in accordance with Buddhist Funerary Traditions. As was a Societal convention, Nokanshi were considered ‘’unclean’’ because of Their ‘’work’’. Often, They had to live apart from ‘’polite’’ Japanese Society – only being called upon for the preparation of a dead body. Unlike a more traditional Mortician or Undertaker, the main purpose was not bodily preservation – but spiritual. Once a body was washed, it was ceremoniously dressed in accordance with Religion. The prescribed color was White. A body was then completely covered in cotton or linen – save the face – which was left exposed. In short, remains looked like a giant insect cocoon (which was seen as a form of ritual rebirth or reincarnation). The remains were then placed on ice, to preserve it for the ‘’viewing and reverence’’ of Family. After which, for a period of from the 12^th thru 15^th Century AD – the previously discussed ‘’Kotsugae’’ was performed. When actual in-ground burials were used, The Nokanshi was responsible for the same responsibilities as a Gravedigger. Seldom seen today, there are still some Nokanshi Guilds in existence.