Ack! Just learned something new while reading another manga. The whole 49th Day Memorial (never knew what it meant so pardon me for those who already know!) is a ritual part of a funeral ceremony taking place 49 days after a person's death:
The first of which are the Chu-in Services (chu-in kuyo) held weekly until the 49th day after death. These first 49 days are regarded as especially important as they mark the intermediate stage between birth and death (chu-in). In Mahayana Buddhism, in general, it is considered important to hold these services for the benefit of the deceased during this intermediate stage of transmigration. In the Pure Land tradition, however, since we are assured of immediate birth in the Pure Land upon death through Amida's saving grace, these services are held more to relieve anxiety and to assure the family of the deceased of their loved one's Birth in the Pure Land. The Chu-in Services on the 7th and 49th days after death are considered particularly important.
This is all new to me and I figured some folks would like to know about it if they didn't already =)
Keiko mentions it in Ch.8 Pg.6.... It... kinda puts things into perspective.
