There is at least one non-Western culture that I am aware of that still practices essentially the same thing, though laying down rather than in a sitting positi

There is at least one non-Western culture that I am aware of that still practices essentially the same thing, though laying down rather than in a sitting position. I think it is only for a week, so probably not as unhygienic, I suppose. Even modern Orthodox tradition holds the relics (bits and bobs from corpses, as well as full ones) of saints in high regard.