Traditionally, the mourning period for a close relative  begins with the seven day "shiva", in which the mourner stays at home and is comforted by visiting friends and family. This is followed by another 23 days, until the end of the 30-day period from the loved one's death. During this period, called "shloshim', which means "thirty", less stringent mourning customs are followed - haircuts and shaving are prohibited, as is participating in parties or other celebrations. The mourners also refrain from listening to or playing music. During this entire period, and for the entire year after the death, kaddish is recited.