Modern day death rituals continue today. The following are a few death rituals that occur in cultures around the world.
Throwing A Handful of Dirt on the Casket
It is common in many cultures for mourners to toss
a handful of dirt on the casket before
leaving the cemetery. Rarely do mourners stay to watch the entire casket being
buried by the cemetery workers. Throwing the dirt on the grave may symbolize
that mourners understand that our bodies return to the earth.
Mourning
Mourning is a common ritual when someone dies. The process of mourning and even the amount of crying or wailing differs among cultures. Latin cultures for example, generally cry or wail more emphatically than others. Women cry more than men, possibly due to cultural views that crying might show weakness.
The Wake
The wake is a death ritual
practiced in many cultures. During the wake, friends or family of the deceased
sit with the corpse for several days and nights to watch and mourn. Part of the
wake is usually conducted with prayer and scripture.
Dressing In Black
Dressing in black for an entire year after the death of a spouse or close family member was common practice for hundreds of years. It is still fairly common and acceptable to wear black or darker colors to the funeral.
Funeral Procession
Before the advent of vehicles, mourners walked by foot to follow the pallbearers who were carrying the casket. Today the funeral procession is done by vehicle. The hearse carrying the casket is in front, usually following a police escort.
Bagpipes Playing
Bagpipes are often played during Irish and
Scottish funerals. They are also part of the death rituals at funerals of
firefighters, police officers, military, or others to show honor and respect.
Tearing a Piece of Clothing
At Jewish
funerals, the members of the deceased's immediate family tear a piece of
their clothing to show the loss they are feeling. In some cases, the Rabbi will
pin a piece of torn black ribbon to the families clothing. At the cemetery,
there will be a walking procession following the pallbearers. The procession
will be halted seven times and the Star of David will be etched in the head
stone, although this may be placed later.
Tolling of The Bell
Tolling the bell is done at firefighters and police
officers funerals to indicate the bell that
signals them to go to an emergency.
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