Why did the transition period after death sometimes last six weeks?

In Finno-Ugric religion, the six-week transition period following death serves as a critical time for the family to manage the departure of the deceased’s spirit. During this interval, the departed person is believed to remain in their former dwelling place, separated from their body.1

This period is essential for several ritual purposes:
* Communication: The family addresses the departed through dirges and euphemisms to maintain a connection.1
* Practical Arrangements: Agreements are made regarding the distribution of the deceased's property.1
* Guidance: The living provide the spirit with advice on how to live in the otherworld.1
* Harmony: The primary goal is to ensure harmony between the newly departed and their living relatives, as well as with those already in the graveyard.1

By the end of this transition, the deceased is invited to return only for specific memorial celebrations, such as their anniversary. This structured process reflects the belief that the dead remain part of the family unit, possessing both rights and duties toward the living.1