<P> Shiva (Hebrew: שבעה ‎, literally "seven") is the week - long mourning period in Judaism for first - degree relatives . The ritual is referred to as "sitting shiva". Traditionally, there are five stages of mourning in Judaism . Shiva is considered the third stage of mourning, and constitutes of seven days . Following the prior two stages, shiva embraces a time when individuals discuss their loss and accept the comfort of others . It is required to observe shiva for fathers, mothers, wives, husbands, sons, daughters, brothers, and / or sisters who have died . It is not required to observe shiva for individuals who are less than thirty days old at the time of death . At the funeral, mourners wear an outer garment or ribbon that is torn during the procession in a ritual known as keriah . This garment is worn throughout the entirety of shiva . Typically, the seven days begin immediately after the deceased have been buried . Following burial, mourners assume the halakhic status of avel (Hebrew: אבל, "mourner"). It is necessary for the burial spot to be entirely covered with earth in order for shiva to commence . This state lasts for the entire duration of shiva . During the period of shiva, individuals remain at home . Friends and family visit those in mourning in order to give their condolences and provide comfort . The process, though dating back to biblical times, mimics the natural way an individual confronts and overcomes grief . Shiva allows for the individual to express their sorrow, discuss the loss of a loved one, and slowly re-enter society . </P> <P> The word shiva comes from the Hebrew word shiv'ah (Hebrew: שבעה ‎, lit .' seven'). Historical and biblical accounts depict multi-day periods of mourning, time set aside strictly for observing and expressing grief . There are many instances mentioned which describe the traditional Judaic process of mourning known as shiva . </P>

How long do you sit shiva for a sibling