The afterlife begins with three days when the disembodied soul remains locally and in relationship to the surviving family. The three day stay is followed by the departure of the soul to eternity. Many ancient cultures, especially the Chumash Amerindians of California, report three days for the soul's localization. Might this be culturally important to the Christian story of Jesus Christ rising on the third day? Afterlife begins with 3 local days followed by departure of the soul to eternity according to Chumash Indians.