Different cultures celebrate and mourn in almost as many unique ways as there are unique cultures.
Ancient Egyptians believed that many parts of life were carried over into death, and many Pharaohs were buried with their possessions, sometimes even with servants, and other tools they might need in the afterlife. Egyptians also believed that the dead would need the "Book of the Dead" which was a sort of instruction manual filled with what they thought the dead would need to pass tests and make it into paradise.
Some ancient cultures burned their dead on funeral pyres.
Ancient Greeks believed that there was a journey in the afterlife one must undertake, including being ferried across the river Styx by an eternal boatman.
The ancient Vikings seem to have felt that honour in life mirrored what would happen to them in Valhalla (the afterlife). Their attitude made them good warriors, as they believed that to die in battle guaranteed an eternity of happiness, and thus they often celebrated festively when they lost comrades.
Some cultures bury their dead, and ancient Hebrews would often build tombs for those that they wished to honour, and sometimes for those who paid a hefty fee.
Though entombment was popular in older times, Christian death became more associated with burial. Christians who truly believe the dead will be seen again one day often celebrate the passing on of a life, as part of dealing with their grief. Indeed, within the Christian spiritual texts there is a New Testament message of hope for Christians not to be stricken with un-ending grief, because those they have lost are not permanently gone.
The Irish culture is well-known for holding "wakes" which are particularly celebratory and festive. Family and friends stay up during the entire night during a wake, and watch over the body of the deceased to honour their life while celebrating.
Mexican culture has the Day of the Dead, which is a rather unique celebration. Though many cultures pay great honour to their people when they die, the Day of the Dead is a celebration for all the dead in general, at once. It is very festive, and they do more celebrating and eating than they do mourning.
One custom practiced by some in Peru (as well as other countries) is to place large, heavy coins over the eyes of someone who has recently died.
Some tribal peoples (mostly canabalistic) even practice eating their dead relatives to honour them.
Ancient Egyptians believed that many parts of life were carried over into death, and many Pharaohs were buried with their possessions, sometimes even with servants, and other tools they might need in the afterlife. Egyptians also believed that the dead would need the "Book of the Dead" which was a sort of instruction manual filled with what they thought the dead would need to pass tests and make it into paradise.
Some ancient cultures burned their dead on funeral pyres.
Ancient Greeks believed that there was a journey in the afterlife one must undertake, including being ferried across the river Styx by an eternal boatman.
The ancient Vikings seem to have felt that honour in life mirrored what would happen to them in Valhalla (the afterlife). Their attitude made them good warriors, as they believed that to die in battle guaranteed an eternity of happiness, and thus they often celebrated festively when they lost comrades.
Some cultures bury their dead, and ancient Hebrews would often build tombs for those that they wished to honour, and sometimes for those who paid a hefty fee.
Though entombment was popular in older times, Christian death became more associated with burial. Christians who truly believe the dead will be seen again one day often celebrate the passing on of a life, as part of dealing with their grief. Indeed, within the Christian spiritual texts there is a New Testament message of hope for Christians not to be stricken with un-ending grief, because those they have lost are not permanently gone.
The Irish culture is well-known for holding "wakes" which are particularly celebratory and festive. Family and friends stay up during the entire night during a wake, and watch over the body of the deceased to honour their life while celebrating.
Mexican culture has the Day of the Dead, which is a rather unique celebration. Though many cultures pay great honour to their people when they die, the Day of the Dead is a celebration for all the dead in general, at once. It is very festive, and they do more celebrating and eating than they do mourning.
One custom practiced by some in Peru (as well as other countries) is to place large, heavy coins over the eyes of someone who has recently died.
Some tribal peoples (mostly canabalistic) even practice eating their dead relatives to honour them.
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