Religious authorities say wearing a deceased person’s clothes is allowed — but the real decision often comes down to culture, emotion, and whether keeping those items helps or hurts the bereaved.
Wearing the clothes of someone who has died has long been a sensitive subject, tied closely to religious and cultural beliefs. Many people treat it as an act of respect, a way to remember the deceased, or a manner of keeping them close.
From a religious viewpoint, wearing the clothing of a deceased person is not inherently problematic. If there are enough usable garments, it is often considered appropriate for heirs to wear them or to give them to those in need — an act seen as meritorious. However, if keeping those clothes causes someone to repeatedly recall the deceased and feel persistent distress, it may be better not to hold on to them.
Wearing a dead person’s clothing can be seen from two angles: spiritual or superstitious. Different cultures treat the idea in different ways and hold a variety of beliefs. In some places, using the deceased’s garments is considered a spiritual experience that helps people feel closer to their lost loved one and keep their memory alive. For many, it provides comfort and helps soothe grief. Some believe that the deceased’s energy or spirit can remain in their belongings, and wearing those items carries that sense of closeness.
At the same time, other cultures treat the practice as superstition. In these contexts, people worry that wearing a deceased person’s clothes could bring bad luck or negative energy. Such beliefs generally lack scientific basis and stem from cultural attempts to explain the unknown or manage fear. Whether the act is interpreted as spiritual or superstitious depends largely on individual belief and cultural context.
(Heading preserved — content continues:) The practice of wearing a deceased person’s clothing has deep roots in many cultures and can serve multiple purposes: showing respect, preserving memories, or reflecting religious and spiritual beliefs.
The habit of keeping or using a deceased person’s garments appears in many world cultures for a variety of reasons. In some ancient societies, burial garments were part of funeral rites — not only to clothe the dead but also as symbols of respect and remembrance. Occasionally, clothing was offered as a tribute to deities or included in religious ceremonies.
Across cultures, the reasons for using or preserving a deceased person’s clothing vary: to honor the departed, to keep memories alive, or because of religious or spiritual practice. For many, wearing the clothes of a lost loved one can create a feeling of closeness and help preserve their memory.
This issue can be examined from several perspectives. Scientifically, there is no evidence that wearing a deceased person’s clothes transfers any form of spiritual energy. Energy in scientific terms refers to measurable physical phenomena such as heat, light, or electricity; a deceased person’s “energy” does not transfer into clothing and then into another person.
As noted earlier, beliefs that the deceased’s energy lingers in objects are largely cultural and psychological. People’s emotional ties to the dead can make them feel as if a part of the person remains present in their belongings. If keeping the clothes causes repeated grief or distress, the article suggests it may be better to give them to someone in need — an act that is both charitable and spiritually rewarding in many religious interpretations.
In some communities, wearing a deceased person’s garments is a form of tribute and appreciation for their life; in others, it simply recalls shared memories and emotional bonds. Still, different cultures and religions interpret the practice differently, so the meaning and consequences may vary. It is important to respect cultural and religious sensitivities when deciding what to do with such items.
Next we turn to what items are sometimes placed with the dead. These vary by culture and religious belief. Some commonly mentioned items include:
Item | Note |
|---|---|
Shroud (kafan) | A white cloth wrapped around the body for burial. |
Quran or holy book | In some traditions, religious texts or prayer books are buried with the deceased. |
Personal items | Objects such as watches, glasses, or items of sentimental value. |
Flowers and plants | Placed at the grave as symbols of respect and remembrance. |
Sacred soil or relics | In some Islamic traditions, a small amount of soil from a holy place (e.g., Karbala) may be included. |
Special garments | In certain cultures, particular garments with religious or cultural significance may be buried with the deceased. |
