Despite its morbidity, death is often seen as a sacred ritual. Most religions outline specific preferences and prohibitions. The process of mourning and caring for the dead is as diverse as humanity itself. Observe these three death rituals through time, geography, class, culture and religion.
Cremation
Cremation or burning of the body is one of the oldest death rituals dating back to the Stone Age. Archaeological records have found this practice in at least 20,000 years of human history, dating back to the most recent known example of the "Mr. Mongo" found in Australia. The pagans thought it was a spiritual purification. Cremation plaques, also known as funerals, caskets or burial plaques, span most ancient cultures, including China, Greece, Anglo-Saxon and pre-Colombia. In the Bavarian tradition, the king's heart was placed in the crematorium. A famous example was the King Otto in 1916. Hindus believe in reincarnation, and the cycle of life and death reflects the cycle of the universe. As a religion of Orthodoxy, Hindu worship rituals and correct behaviors surpass metaphysical beliefs. The death ritual "Antyesti" literally means "the last sacrifice." The immortal soul, or "atman", is released in the process. The historic Buddha Siddhartha Gautama was Hindu and cremated, thus setting a precedent for Buddhists. The ceremony marking death reminds people of impermanence in life, which is the cornerstone of Buddhism. The Jains observed a simple ritual called "Mahotsav" or used a funeral pyre. Because they believe that reincarnation is immediate, long-term mourning, mourning or anniversary is not appropriate.
Funeral
Hunting or burial in warm land or graves begins with several indigenous cultures and is the preferred method of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Like crematoriums, coffins range from cardboard boxes to gorgeous wooden artwork. Most African tribes bury the dead as soon as possible and reunite them with their ancestors. As Herodotus described as early as 4000 BC, the ancient Egyptians regarded the future as the common destination of all. The body was mummified and placed in the stone to protect the soul. For the afterlife, they believed in the mirror life on earth. Jewish funerals are compulsory and cremation is prohibited. The funeral took place one day after the death, followed by a week of mourning, or "Shiva", and finally buried. Early Christians buried their dead in catacombs and cemeteries. Despite some Christian concerns about the resurrection after the cremation, most modern theologians believe that the body is relatively insignificant after death. The funeral of Islam, or "Janazah" in Arabic, begins with "ghusi" or bathing and covering the body, followed by "salah" or prayer, and finally burying the body. Islamic law requires that the head be headed towards Mecca and cremation is prohibited.
Excarnation
The exposure of the body or soul is to let the body be cleared by the animal. Herodotus described the exposure of the Zoroastrians in the middle of the 5th century BC, especially the tower of silence that began in the 9th century. The Zoroastrians believed that the dead were unclean, and the earth and fire were holy, so exposure prevented this contact. The practice of some Buddhist culture is exposed, especially the Tibetan celestial burial. The body was wrapped in a white shroud of the ceremony. Afterwards, they collected the bones of the remains for cremation, burial or placement in the "stupa". Survivors are reflected in the cycle of meditation, or slowly around the structure. Some Indians' American cultures are exposed, traveling to the destination with the wrapped body on horseback, and the body continues the cycle of life.
Taking into account the wishes of the deceased - such as stashing ash, burying family conspiracy or mausoleum, or donating science - are important ways of respecting individuals, cultures and religions, as well as creating closures for the people they love.
Orignal From: Cremation, Graves and Open Air: A Comparative History of Death Ceremonies
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