I once read a story (not from this list) that included a japanese
custom of 'folding the jacket' for some that had died.  In this instance,
though, it was done while the person was alive as a sign of exclusion.
The individual was not just disinheritied, but considered to be dead as
far as the rest of the family was concerned.  Completely severed from
fueds, etc.
    Is this a real custom?  Or an exageration?  Or was it made up by the
author as artistic license?  Please respond to:

ajoelson@earthlink.net

Thanks,
    Andrew