Several general observations can be made about the early Christian care of the dead. The general atmosphere of Christian burial was that of hope in the resurrection. Augustine’s dry eyes statement may be an exception but not too much so. The dead Christian who had kept the faith was treated a victor, and the funeral process had the character of the triumph accorded a victorious general on returns home. Since cemeteries by Christian times were outside the city walls, the carrying forth was significant part of the rite. It was done to the accomplishments of the psalms of hope and shout of alleluia. White garments were worn, palm leaves and lights were carried, and incense was burned as the community marched to the cemetery in broad daylight (unlike the nighttime funerals of pagans). Previously the body had been washed, anointed and wrapped in linen at the home of the deceased while prayers were made.