Preparing the Body  Chevra Kadisha—Jewish Burial Society Ceremonial washing (taharah) Dressing in linen shroud (tachrichim) Eyes & mouth are closed Body laid on floor  Shomer—religious guardian watches over the body Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7): Dimond, B. (2004) British J Nursing, 13(9): Loike, J, et al. (2010) J Palliat Med. 13(10):

Preparing for Burial  Keri’ah—black ribbon pinned to lapel or cut lapels of suit  Mirrors covered, pictures turned over  Burial ASAP, preferably before sundown No embalming or cremation No open caskets No elaborate caskets Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7): Dimond, B. (2004) British J Nursing, 13(9):547-9.

Preparing for Burial  Wailing—usually done by women Tells history of deceased, from birth to death During the “days of tears” Professional mourners Gamliel, T. (2007) Social Sci Med, 65:1501–11.

Preparing for Life Apart  Se’udat havra’ah—meal of condolence  Shivah—for seven days after funeral Mourners “sit shivah” on low stools or floor No bathing or shaving No jewelry or leather shoes No work No sex Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7):18-26.

Preparing for Life Apart  Shloshim—extended mourning for 30 days No shaving or haircuts No music No visitation of grave No weddings or other religious celebrations  Gravestone placed at 1-year anniversary to mark official end of mourning Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7):18-26.

Western Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world; In the Name of God the Father who created thee; In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed thee; In the Name of the Holy Ghost who sanctifieth thee. May thy rest be this day in peace, and thy dwelling place in the Paradise of God. - The Book of Common Prayer

background  Based in Christian tradition Orthodox Roman Catholic Protestant  Modern “deritualization”  Familiarity with technology vs. unfamiliarity with death Romanoff, BD & Terenzio, M. (1998) Death Studies. 22:

Preparing for Death  Attempt to control death—Advance Directives/Living Wills: Manner of death Place of death Time of death  Attempt to define death: Cardiac vs. brain death ECMO? LVADs? Lobar, SL, et al. (2006) Pediatr Nursing, 32(1):44-50.

Preparing for Death  Death often promotes a resurgence of faith Religious language Physical reminders of God’s presence Sacrament of the Sick (Last Rites)

Preparing the body Known as “last offices” or “laying out”  Clinical algorithm  Separates the living from the dead  Patient  Body  Corpse Quested, B & T Rudge (2003) J Adv Nursing, 41(6):553–60.

Preparing for burial Undertaker reverses the process—creates the illusion of life  Makeup  Hair styling  Clothing  Jewelry

Preparing for burial Average cost of an American funeral: Non-declinable basic services fee $1,817 Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home $250 Embalming $628 Other preparation of the body $200 Use of facilities/staff for viewing $395 Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony $450 Use of a hearse $275 Use of a service car/van $125 Basic memorial printed package $125 Metal casket$2,295 Vault$1,195 Total Cost: $7,755 Plus cemetery fees, gravemarker, flowers & obituary National Funeral Directors Association,

Preparing for burial  Funeral ceremonies range from simple memorials to State funerals Church-based Outside church (e.g. funeral homes, private homes)  Eulogy  Liturgy Davis, CS (2008) J Loss Trauma, 13:

Preparing for burial  “The Committal”  Blessing of the grave “…commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust…”

Preparing for life apart  Emphasis on “closure” or “letting go”  Contrasted with tradition of ongoing connection with the deceased Novenas Anniversary mass Day of the Dead/All Saints Day Romanoff, BD & M. Terenzio (1998) Death Studies, 22: Lobar, SL, et al. (2006) Pediatric Nursing, 32(1): Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7):18-26.