Disposing of the Dead Death Rituals

Disposing of the Dead Religious beliefs & afterlife ideas combine with environmental factors to create differences in practices to shelter the dead Environment influences regional burial practices Climate Topography (elevation etc)

Hindu Cremation Ceremony & Symbology 5Ehttp://youtu.be/HMOJXPizC 5E Reincarnation cycles until released from caste system which is known as enlightenment Body dies but the soul moves on and is “reborn”

Buddhism Slightly different version of reincarnation A person continues living in cycles until they have gained or reached Enlightenment Under communist rule in China in the 1940’s, officials banned traditional burial and mandated that all deaths require cremation. In doing this, they cited all of the usual arguments in support of cremation. They said burial in a cemetery was a waste of space, harmful to the environment, and much more expensive than cremation. In many cases, the new laws were not in conflict with tradition since China’s population is home to many Buddhists who have long turned to cremation as their method of choice. (It is important to note that Buddha does not specifically require cremation, in fact, the religion’s major texts are almost silent on the topic. That said, tradition tends to encourage the practice of cremation.)

Judaism No cremation Funeral occurs immediately (sometimes the same as the day of death) Afterlife not specifically emphasized but modern beliefs may vary No afterlife Shadow existence Waiting on the “World to Come” (similar to heaven)

Christianity Eternal heaven or hell in afterlife which is determined by acceptance of religious ideals Some branches believe in temporary purgatory

Islam Paradise or hell in the afterlife for believers on Day of Judgment depends on the degree to which that person acted with justice and mercy toward others

Let’s analyze: What are some cultural or religious factors that influence methods of disposing bodies other than burial?

Seriously Strange Seriously Strange series… Buddhist monk “Self-Mummification” What is the purpose and significance of this rare death ritual? What is revealed about Buddhist culture from this discovery?

Zoroastrians

Incan towers built when a leader died. The tower was the tomb for their body, and their wife and youngest child were sacrificed to go with them into the next life. Servants also had the option to jump in and in the next life they would be nobles...future investment!