Death+rituals

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Definition: a ceremony or procedure that is performed after one dies.

Chapter 19, pages 502-503 (6th edition)

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**Early Christian**
In keeping with Roman tradition, the first Christians were buried outside the city, often in catacombs. In time, the well-to-do sought burial inside a church, usually under the floor, or in a crypt, preferably close to the altar. As interior space became scarce, churchyards were created. The vast majority of people were simply wrapped in a shroud before burial in a wood coffin, but some were interred with objects symbolic of their esteemed rank.

Upon death, the soul was thought to leave the body through the mouth, awaiting the final Day of Judgment. At the end of time, the dead would rise up from their graves and Christ would either welcome them to heaven or banish them to eternal hell.

[|www.deardeath.com]

**Jewish**
Men prepare men for the burial and women prepare women. They wash the body with warm water from head to foot and dress it white burial shrouds (tachrichim), which are purposely kept simple to avoid distinguishing between rich or poor. Men are buried with their prayer shawls (tallits), which are rendered ineffective by cutting off one of the fringes. From the moment of death, the body is not left alone until after burial. This practice, called guarding/watching (shemira), is also based on the principle of honoring the dead. A family member, a Chevra Kaddisha member, or someone arranged by the funeral parlor passes the time by reciting psalms (Tehillim) as this person watches over the deceased.

At the cemetery, another custom in traditional funerals is to stop seven times – as the coffin is carried to the grave. Once the coffin is lowered into the grave, family and close friends cover the coffin with a few handfuls of dirt. After the burial, it is customary for the family to sit Shiva (in mourning). This was traditionally done for seven days, although many Reform and other Jews now sit Shiva for three days, and some for one day. Traditional Jews cover all mirrors during this time and sit on Shiva benches.

[|www.deardeath.com]

Japanese
A Buddhist priest comes to the deceased house house to recite a sutra. On the second day, members and close relatives burn incense sticks (called "senko") in front of the family altar (butsudan) all night long. The third day, they burn the body to ashes at a funeral hall and bring the ashes back to their house. Finally, funeral service is conducted. People burn incense by turns in front of the altar while the priest recites a sutra. After the service is over, family members and close relatives go to the graveyard and lay ashes to rest. "ko-den" (money) to either "otsuya" or funeral service and hand it to the person at the reception.

The family who has a newly deceased member visits the family grave once in a week during seven weeks starting from the funeral ceremony. On the 49th day from the funeral, they offer feasts again to the close relatives and neighbors. The custom is called "Shiju-ku Nichi", which literally means "the 49th day" Most Japanese people visit their ancestors' grave at least four times a year, once in each "higan" (equinoctial), and twice in "obon" (Buddhist festival days).

[|www.deardeath.com]

Islam
Sharia (Islamic religious law) states that after death, a Muslim body must be buried. However, beforehand, the body must be first:
 * 1) **Bathed-** The body must be bathed an odd number of times (at least once) by a family member who is of the same gender with a simple cloth.
 * 2) **Enshrouded**- The corpse must then be covered in a simple, modest (usually white cotton) cloth that may sometimes be dabbed with perfume. This is to perserve the privacy and dignity of the deceased.
 * 3) **Prayer (Salah)-** The Muslims of the community gather to offer their collective prayers for the deaceased, often known as the //Salat al-Janazah//. It includes 1) the traditional //Eid// prayer, 2) supplication for the deceased person, as well as the rest of imperfect mankind, is given by a Muslim male (or several) of the community.
 * 4) **Burial-** The body is then buried without a casket, lying on its right side, facing the Qibla (Mecca), aligned perpendicular to Mecca. Grave markers are simple, usually a wreath, as lavish displays are looked down upon in Islam. The burial process is usually carried out by male members of the family.

[|Islamic Burials]

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