40th Day after death

The 40th Day after death is a traditional memorial service, family gathering, ceremony and ritual in memory of the departed on the 40th day after his or her death. The observation of the 40th day after death occurs in Syro-Malabar, Eastern Orthodox, and most Syriac Christian traditions (Assyrian Church of the East, Chaldean Catholic Church, Syriac Orthodox Church, and Syriac Catholic Church). The ritual represents spiritual intercession on the part of the dead, who are believed to collectively await the Day of Judgment. Thus, these rituals may be conducted for an individual, like commemoration of the 40th day after death, or for all dead souls.