How Death is Handled in Various Cultures

When I was younger, I was petrified of death. I'm not quite sure why. Perhaps it is just a normal fear that all people go through at one point or another. Now, I understand that death is just a part of the normal cycle of life. Don't get me wrong, that certainly doesn't mean that I'm itching to die anytime soon. I'm just no longer afraid of it, if I do.

Death is handled different ways in different cultures. Some treat it with utmost reverence. Others prefer to celebrate the life before it. Still others choose to fear it. Let's explore some of the ways that people choose to grieve.

The Jewish culture believes that death is an inevitable part of life. And because the Jewish people have respect for life, they also respect death; treating the dead with the same dignity that they deserved in life. The culture even outlines a structured process for handling grief to make certain that everyone gets the respect they deserve.

There are certain people that the Jewish culture believed absolutely must be mourned in death. These include parents, siblings, spouses, and children. That is not to say that other members of the family are considered of less importance. Grandparents, for example, are also held in high esteem. However, with little exception, those held highest in esteem must be remembered.

Burial, in the Jewish faith, is generally required within twenty-four hours, although exceptions might be made for extenuating circumstances. Oftentimes a watchman is appointed to stay with the body between the time of death and the burial. They also oversee the proper preparation of the body for burial.

The Jewish people consider their mourning period - - which begins at the moment of the death's announcement - - very personal. Rending of garments or the wearing of a ribbon is their way of showing an outward sign of grief.

Jewish funerals are often kept private and are generally simple in nature. It isn't uncommon for loved ones to help shovel the dirt into the grave as a sign of acceptance.