It is a sheaf of wheat, not a sheath, that is a covering for a knife or sword, also called a scabbard. I am not sure this is a funerary custom. In some of the Scandinavian countries a sheaf of wheat is displayed in front of a House on Christmas, this being a local Yuletide custom, nothing morbid. As wheat is edible food stuff one could raise objections to a waste of useful food when people are hungry. I guess it must be a Scandinavian folk-way, as is the Yule custom that is similar.
Wheat is a symbol of life and resurrection. When wheat is harvested, some of the grain falls to the ground. The next year new wheat grows, even though the field was bare for a while.
Wheat is a symbol of life and resurrection. When wheat is harvested, some of the grain falls to the ground. The next year new wheat grows, even though the field was bare for a while.
Sheaf of wheat is symbolic of the harvest. Death, in many cultures is known as the reaper, the harvester of souls. The wheat has been harvested and so has the dead persons soul.
The goddess Demeter.
Koliva, which is boiled wheat.
Bier
Peace and free spirit.
It's a stand or platform that supports a coffin.
Canadian wheat board
Because Russian wheat has evolved over the years, so it can stand harsher weather.
Depending on which one is used but one name is a tressel.
An Easel, an extension of the art-supply term.