THREAD
Since it is #NationalCookieDay let’s talk about DEATH COOKIES

Funeral biscuits first appeared in 1600s Europe, and were also commonplace up until the early 1900s in the U.S.

(Image via @ExploreWellcome)

2. They were sometimes taken door-to-door and served as a funeral invitation or handed out to mourners as a sort of funereal party favor.

In a letter written in 1802, their presentation was described as follows:

3. ‘The paper in which these biscuits were sealed was printed on one side with a coffin, cross-bones, skulls, hacks, spades, hour-glass, etc... sealed with black wax.’

The printed wrapper typically featured the name of the deceased and a biblical verse or poem.

4. Next up on our Death Cookies list is Fave dei Morti (Beans of the Dead).

Thanks in large part to Pythagoras,
ancient Romans believed the souls of their dead ancestors resided in fava beans.

5. As a bonus, beans were also believed to ward off ghosts and vampires, who were easily tricked into thinking the beans were living people.

On All Souls Day in Italy, fave dei morti cookies are still enjoyed today.

(If only this guy had a bean...)

6. Amish Funeral Cookies have become a mainstay as these no-bake cookies can be quickly prepared and taken to grieving families.

(Photo via Orcas Island Market)

7. Paximadi is a Greek cookie that is very similar to biscotti. Although consumed throughout the year, this cookie is a traditional part of a funeral feast’s dessert course.

8. In Italy on All Saints Day you can FEAST ON THE BONES OF SAINTS!

(Sort of)

Ossi di Morti (bones of the dead) are cookies shaped like bones and dusted with confectioners sugar to give it that dusty decomp look.

(Photo by Jim Scherer. Styling by Catrine Kelty)