Grief counselors generally recommend a period of mourning, but the amount of time is ultimately up to you. Although some people say youll need a year, that may be different if your spouse was sick for a long time before his death.

Why is 40 days after death important?

The 40 days is an opportunity for judgment before God. Its believed in Eastern Orthodox religions that the soul completes many obstacles known as the aerial toll houses. The soul passes through the aerial realm, which is home to evil spirits. At the end of the 40 days, the soul finds its place in the afterlife.