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. At the grave, there was prayers and the celebration of the Eucharist. Augustine notes, the sacrifice of our ransom was offered for her (Monica) when now the corpse was by the grave’s side. After the corpse was given the final kiss of peace, it was buried with the feet toward the rising sun. An agape might follow immediately, and there were services on various days after death and on the anniversary of the death. For heroes of the faith of such as martyrs, these anniversaries could be important occasions. The amount of the second century death of Polycarp, the martyrdom of Polycarp, speaks of the community’s intention to gather together in joy and gladness to celebrate the day of martyrdom as a birthday, in memory of those athletes who have gone before, and to train and make ready those who are to come hereafter.