What was the custom of anointing a body with herbs and spices in Bible times?
In Bible times, the custom was to anoint the body of the deceased with herbs and spices, sometimes even a day or so after burial. The body was not buried underground as commonly thought; instead, it was placed in a cave. This practice is reflected in the resurrection morning account when Mary Magdalene came to the sepulcher.
Les explains that this was the custom: they anointed the body of the deceased with herbs and spices even a day or so after the person was buried. He notes that in that culture the dead were not buried underground as we think of it; they were placed in a cave. On resurrection morning, Mary Magdalene came to the sepulcher early, while it was still dark, and saw the stone taken away. Peter and John then hear it from Mary and run full speed to the sepulcher. John gets there first but stops at the door, while Peter bursts right in; after John realizes it is safe, he joins Peter in the sepulcher.