There are several superstitions and customs concerning the dead and death in general.  One of the Laranian church's secret to it's success (besides being the religion of the ruling classes) is it's ability to absorb local customs and incorporate these traditions into church tradition.  As with most religious practices, local and ethnic tradition will always vary to a degree.  This is certainly true concerning the beliefs of death.  Following are some traditions and beliefs that have become part of Laranian belief, most of these have roots predating the inception of the church proper.

        Spirits of the Saints-
        Most people are aware that the 30th of Navek is the Night of Shadows.  While few know much of the Navehan church, this night is known to be one of darkness, evil, and roaming spirits.  Several peoples converted by the Laranian church had festivals and heathenistic rituals designed to ward off these spirits.  Most were distasteful and downright sinful to the church.  All manner of deeds were done from place to place including but not limited to, fornication, leaving of gifts on one's doorstep for the spirits, animal sacrifice to dark spirits, and even human sacrifice.
        In order to allow the lay membership its "needed protection from ill spirits" on this night, and still keep them in the fold of the church, the clergy absorbed these traditions.  This day became the Spirits of Saints Day, where the spirits of Laranian saints would rise to drive off spirits of evil.  The gifts and sacrifices were now to show one's faith in Larani, allowing the saints to protect one's home and family.
        One of the most popular signs of Spirits of Saints Day, is that of the "Illuminous Icon".  Small reliefs of shields, swords, lions, or any other church regalia are placed outside the threshold of one's home.  These are usually crafted of wood, but brass, silver, or even gold reliefs are common depending on one's station.  Each relief has a place for holding a candle, which is lit at sundown.  Shields are most popular, as are hollowed out lion heads, with the candle placed inside.  It is common for multiple reliefs to be placed at the door, and even outside windows.  Not only do these reliefs cause fear in evil spirits, they draw saints close to the home to battle said evil spirits.  This practice actually comes from Dalkesh where candles and noise makers to wake the residents are placed at entry points to the home on the Night of Shadows should they be the unfortunate target of a Navehan follower.
        It is also common for folks to leave food and milk inside one's kitchen or door.  If the milk and food have been sampled, it means a saint was there and drove off fell spirits.

        Soratir Visitations-
        Many cultures believe that one's departed family and friends can return in spirit form to visit.  The church view is this would only happen should Larani send them from her graces on an earthly errand.  This is of course a privilege held only for her saints and champions, not for any departed worshipper.  So the church accommodated this very common belief with the "Soratir Visitations".  It was also a perceived way to ensure the flock attended mass.
        The church teaches that those who attend Soratir gain favor with Larani.  As a gift she allows departed beloved ones to visit the faithful for a short time in the evening, usually to sup with the family.  The evening of Soratir, an extra meal is prepared with ale for visiting spirits.  If the family has been faithful, the beloved spirit will watch over them and report back to Larani of the worthy family.  However, those lacking and not present at Soratir will get a much bleaker report from the spirits.  This does not please the Lady of Chivalry and will mean trouble for the family members when they pass on.

        Family Shrines-
        Another common practice is the worship of ancestors.  This does not really go too far against the grain of the church, honored dead are very important.  But to worship them, in the stead of Larani, is unacceptable.  Many cultures kept small shrines dedicated to ancestors in the house.  The church took this tradition and again allowed an acceptable compromise.
        The family shrine would contain three parts; the highest part would be for Larani herself, below that would be for the saints, and then for ones ancestors.  The shrines appearance vary greatly depending on means, from simple shelves to 10 foot tall silver inlaid, oak shrines.  Each section is separated, and are known as "chapels".  In the chapel of Larani is a relief or picture of the goddess and other small gifts, often incense, flowers, or bits of red and white cloth.  In the saint's chapel are kept icons of the patron saints of the family or village along with the Illuminated Icons for Spirit of Saints Day.  Finally in the ancestors chapel are kept valuable and trinkets that belonged to the family members, and usually something picturing the family arms (if any).  Some will place a gift for the spirits that visit on Soratir, and even the food for the spirit along with a lit candle or ember.

        Flowers on graves-
        Many cultures practice the leaving of herbs and flowers on the crypts and graves of loved ones.  This practice originated from several cultures where good or sweet smells are known to drive off the undead and dread sprits.  Placing them on the graves served either to keep the dead from leaving the grave, or to keep fell spirits from disturbing a loved one's rest.  In Laranian dogma, this practice (along with tithing and donation) makes the trip to Larani's realm pleasant and easy and ensures the dead to remain in Larani's favor.  Red or white flowers are most popular, as are bundles of mint or tea leaves.  Those in Karejia often use Kalkal peppers instead.  They don't particular smell sweet, but are so potent as to drive off spirits and grave robbers (they emit a pungent, spicy odor that can bring tears to one's eyes).

        Trip To Dolithor-
        There are no actual church sanctioned beliefs as to the specifics of the passing of one's spirit, save that the spirit arrives at the gates of Dolithor.  While a long list of accounts have been made about the journey, usually involving white lights and tunnels, these are handily discounted by the clergy.
        The watcher of the gate is Saint Marian, at one time a devout priestess who was slain by invading barbarians while single-handedly defending her temple with naught but a set of scales.  She would not allow the barbarians to pass, but allowed those seeking refuge into the temple suffering severe wounds while opening the doors.  She impressed Larani  so that she Marian was made gatekeeper and judge of the faithful upon reaching the gates of Dolithor.  Here she weighs one's sins in life against one's good deeds.  While good deeds are beloved of Larani, sins are thrice as heavy on the scales.  If one is deemed worthy, then Marian will allow passage to the inner halls where Larani will greet the new arrivals and assign them positions.  Those who have sinned not, shall be accepted into the Knights of Tirith.  Some accounts have Mendez or Valamin performing this duty.