Through the many civilizations and eras all around the world, rain has always been a symbol of something, from romance to sadness to everything in between.
However, in most movies and books, it’s common to find rain falling each time there’s a funeral. Sometimes, it’s only at the mention of someone dying.
So, we had to look into: why does it rain when someone dies? Here’s what we found out!
Why Does It Rain When Someone Dies?
1. The Sky Is Grieving
Most people believe that when someone dies, the sky starts to cry for their departure. This explains why one moment, the sky is clear, and then when the funeral begins, it gets cloudy.
For some, this means that God is sharing their grief.
It’s even more apparent when, sometimes, after the rain stops, a rainbow appears in the distance. The cheerful colors serve as additional proof that the deceased has now joined God in Heaven.
Most people find consolation in this idea. For them, it’s a sign that the deceased was deserving of the sky’s tears and God’s companionship.
2. Rain Symbolizes Sadness
In literature and movies, rain is a symbol of gloom. Perhaps it has something to do with the cloudy weather or the depressing state we get in because of the lack of sunshine.
Moreover, rain represents the flow of emotions and unfavorable mental states in literature. For example, writers speak about tears as if they’re raindrops filled with melancholy.
In some cultures, they believe a person’s overall mood and energy can affect the weather around them. This is probably one of the strongest beliefs people have about rain and death.
So, when people are happy, the sun is out and there’s a nice breeze. Alternatively, when people are mourning, the sun disappears, and the weather turns wet and chilly.
3. A Sign Of Peaceful Departure
Other people believe that rain after a person’s death, or during their funeral, means that they’ve safely moved on. It’s seen as a sign from the heavens that this person is now safe in the arms of an angel.
This makes rain a good omen that brings people comfort and solace. They feel that their loved ones are in a better place, and it helps make their grief easier to manage.
This belief dates back to the Victorian era, and even possibly before, when it was thought that the deceased’s soul had ascended to Heaven.
Rain on a funeral procession is also mentioned in the Bible. It’s believed to be a sign that the deceased’s soul is rejoicing as they make their way to a better place.
4. The Deceased Is Crying In Heaven
Another reason it rains when someone dies is that the deceased has already reached Heaven but is crying along with their loved ones. This crying is believed to be their way of sharing some of the grief and sorrow.
This makes people feel a bit less sad because they feel like they’re not carrying the heavy weight of their grief on their own.
Some people even take this concept and talk about it in some pop culture references. For instance, according to Steve Wariner’s country song “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” rain is actually the tears of their departed loved ones.
In the song, the deceased are sobbing because they’re longing to be here on Earth. So, they look on through the small holes in the floor of Heaven to keep us safe and watch over us.
5. Heaven Washes Away Sadness
It’s believed that when it rains when someone dies, then it’s the sky trying to help with the grieving process.
There’s no doubt that the rain is pure and sacred. This is why it’s believed that if you stand under the rain after the departure of someone dear to you, the rain will wash away the sadness in your heart.
Not only that, but there are times when it feels that rain is the perfect conduit for our crying as a way of helping us heal and get past the pain of losing a loved one. Then, after a good cry, you get a sense of peace and serenity.
In addition, rainfall was viewed during the Victorian era as a sign of purification and rebirth. Therefore, it makes sense that people during this time would have found solace in the rain after burying a loved one.
6. Rebirth Through Raindrops
In Hinduism, people regard rain as a symbol of life and rebirth. One example is in the Vedic chants, which focus on the idea that rain is a gift from the heavens brought to us to help life grow.
They don’t see rain as gloomy or foreboding. On the contrary, to them, it’s a symbol of hope and optimism. In fact, they look forward to it and believe that, with each raindrop, a rebirth is happening somewhere in the world.
This is definitely a more positive thought to keep in mind the next time you’re at a funeral, and it rains.
7. Heaven’s Gates Send A Message
People have turned to the skies for assurance that a cherished friend or family member has entered the pearly gates. It helps soothe them and ease their pain during this trying time.
Rain is one such assurance. It’s believed to be a message that your loved ones have departed and are at peace.
In the Victorian era, rainfall, especially if it was accompanied by a thunderclap or two, was seen as a source of consolation. It signaled that the departed person’s spirit had made it safely through the gates of Heaven.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why it is rude to tip in Japan, why Koreans have good skin, and why people believe in God.
Conclusion
So, why does it rain when someone dies? There are many answers to this question, but what matters is what you believe to be true in your heart.
Good omen or not, rain can give you a sense of peace and tranquility. So, why not take advantage of this and start seeing rain as a sign that your loved ones are now safe and sound in the heavens above.