Alaskan Sampler - Spirit Houses

The Spirit Houses behind the Russian churches in Eklutna (pronounced "Ee-kloot-na") are part of the Athabascan Indian tradition blended with the Russian Orthodox Church. In accordance with Athabascan Denaina custom, when an Orthodox Indian is buried, the family places a new blanket over the grave. This is given instead of flowers as in the American tradition.  A cross is immediately placed at the foot of the grave signifying that the deceased was an Orthodox Christian.  On the 40th day the family will erect a spirit house atop the grave, painting it in the traditional colors unique to each family. The shape and design of the house may vary, but the size is usually proportionate to the age of the deceased. Family members visit the grave on various anniversaries of the deceased and bring a bowl of rice mixed with honey and raisins. Smaller groups of spirit houses are found in other parts of Alaska.

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