Nine, forty, crescent/cross

[Genevra Gerhart]

Dear Seelangites,
Ignorance rears its ugly head, again! Could you help put it down?

1.What is the source of the Russian custom of commemorating a death on the
third, ninth, and fortieth days?
2. I am told that the association of 40 and the death commemoration has had
a negative effect on the celebration of one's 40th birthday in Russia. Is
that association common?
3. The number 40 seems to have other associations,  40 days and 40 nights,
and other connections with the Bible?, Ali-baba and the 40 thieves? Is it
somebody's magic number?
4.  The Orthodox cross is sometimes seen with its base at the bottom of a
semi-circle (crescent?, grail?). I have been told that the semi-circle plus
the cross represents Islamic Turkey and the Orthodox victory thereover; and
also I have been told that that explanation is ridiculous, that the
semi-circle is a grail "graal'" to collect blood at the base of the cross.
Is either explanation at least in the ball park?
Thanks,

Genevra Gerhart

http://www.members.home.net/ggerhart
New email address: ggerhart at home.com
206-329-0053

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