Shiva means seven, the number of days in the stage of mourning which begins with the day of burial. This observance is traced to ancient times, for the Bible states that Joseph mourned seven days after his father, Jacob’s death.

Mourners stay together at the home of the deceased or at the home or a mourner, cut off from the normal routine of their lives which death has interrupted. They abstain from business and professional activities, sexual intercourse, bathing, except for hygienic purposes, or anointing the body, using cosmetics, and cutting hair. For hygienic purposes, they may change clothes and garments that touch the body.
If severe financial loss would result from not working, the Rabbi should be consulted.

As an outward symbol of mourning, the mourner divests himself of some of the comforts of life. For that reason, mourners who follow Traditional practices sit on low stools or benches and do not wear leather footwear. Cushions are removed from couches and non-leather slippers are worn. (Exceptions are made for pregnant women and others for whom this might cause difficulties.) Many follow the custom that mirrors (symbols of vanity) are either covered in a house of mourning or turned to the wall.

The day of the burial, not the day of death, counts as the first day of shivah.