내가 가진 장회익 책들

물질, 생명, 인간- 그 통합적 이해의 가능성 장회익 지음 / 돌베개 / 2009년 11월 2017년 01월 18일에 구매

코멘트

생명을 어떻게 이해할까?- 생명의 바른 모습, 물리학의 눈으로 보다 장회익 지음 / 한울(한울아카데미) / 2014년 1월 2017년 01월 18일에 구매

코멘트

삶과 온생명 장회익 지음 / 현암사 / 2014년 12월 2017년 01월 18일에 구매

코멘트

생태적 삶을 추구하는 영성- 개정판 장회익 외 지음 / 동연(와이미디어) / 2011년 8월 2017년 01월 18일에 구매

코멘트

공부 이야기 장회익 지음 / 현암사 / 2014년 12월 2017년 01월 18일에 구매

코멘트

[중고] 공부도둑- 한 공부꾼의 자기 이야기 장회익 지음 / 생각의나무 / 2008년 4월 2017년 01월 18일에 구매

판매완료

코멘트

몸-마음 에콜로지 유정길 2012

알라딘: 몸-마음 에콜로지

몸-마음 에콜로지  | 마음인문학 대중총서 1  
유정길 (지은이)공동체2012-08-28
-----------------------
목차


책을 내면서: 에콜로지에서 마음의 길을 찾다

제1부
01 살림의 마음과 몸 에콜로지_ 유정길
02 불안한 먹거리, GMO: 농사와 생태 그리고 삶의 방식_ 김성순
03 강정사태: 인간안보에 대한 두어 가지 생각_ 김레베카
04 비건채식으로 우리 자신과 지구를 구하자!_ 최행식
05 자본과 생태: 독일의 대체에너지를 말한다_ 양대종
06 숲 생태: 생물 다양성을 중심으로_ 최원형
07 몸살림, 생활살림, 마을살림: '몸 생명학'과 문명의 전환_ 주요섭

제2부
08 마음 에콜로지와 미래문명: 생태영성의 삶과 그 문명을 위하여_ 이병철
09 인디언 영성 이야기: 우리가 이 세상에 온 이유_ 서정록
10 환경.생태문제와 풍수지리설: 몸과 망므의 에콜로지
11 영화 '아바타' 나비족과 나비문명: 생명과 소통하는 마음_ 정혜정
12 자연아 미안해: 노장의 마음으로 자연과 화해하기_ 윤지원
13 바깥-환경에서 우리-환경으로_ 이기흥

----

저자 및 역자소개
유정길 (지은이)

불교환경연대 산하 녹색불교연구소 소장. 국민농업포럼 공동대표, 조계종 백년대계위원, 전국귀농운동본부 정책연구소. 지혜공유협동조합 정토회 에코붓다,?한살림 모심과 살림연구소와 마음살림위원 등으로 활동했다. 생태·녹색·전환·개벽 등을 화두로 하는 다양한 활동을 전개하고 있다.


최근작 : <세계는 왜 한국에 주목하는가>,<개벽의 징후 2020>,<생태사회와 녹색불교> … 총 5종 (모두보기)


===

1. 책의 개요 및 핵심 요약

<몸-마음 에콜로지>(2012)는 원광대학교 마음인문학연구소가 기획하고 유정길을 비롯한 생태·환경 연구자 및 운동가들이 참여하여 엮은 도서이다. 이 책은 현대 문명이 면착한 심각한 생태 위기와 인간 소외의 근본 원인을 분절적이고 물질주의적인 세계관에서 찾고, 이를 극복하기 위해 <몸>과 <마음>, 그리고 <자연>을 통합적으로 바라보는 생태적 전환을 제안한다.

근대적 분절성과 생태 위기의 원인

유정길은 글 <살림의 마음과 몸 에콜로지>를 통해 근대 문명의 핵심적인 폐단으로 <관계의 끊어짐>과 <분절적 사고>를 지적한다. 근대 이원론은 인간과 자연, 몸과 마음, 나와 타자를 엄격히 분리하였다. 자연은 인간의 욕망을 채우기 위한 단순한 자원으로 전락하였고, 몸 또한 마음과 떨어진 일종의 기계나 도구로 취급되었다. 이러한 분절은 외부 자연의 파괴뿐 아니라 인간 내부의 소외와 심리적 불안, 공동체의 해체를 초래하였다.

연기적 세계관과 몸-마음의 에콜로지

책에서 제시하는 에콜로지(생태학)는 단순한 환경 보호 기술이나 자연 보전 운동에 머물지 않는다. 불교의 연기(緣起) 사상 및 동양적 생명학에 기반하여, 우주 만물이 서로 긴밀하게 연결되어 있다는 깨달음에서 출발한다. 몸은 단순히 개인의 소유물이 아니라 공기와 물, 흙과 다른 생명체들이 끊임없이 순환하는 생태적 장(場)이다. 마음 역시 몸과 격리된 추상적 영역이 아니며, 타자와 자연과의 관계 속에서 끊임없이 작용하는 연결망이다. 따라서 몸을 살리는 일(몸살림)과 마음을 바로 세우는 일(마음살림)은 지구 생태계를 살리는 일(지구살림)과 직결된다.

생활·마을·문명의 실천적 전환

유정길과 저자들은 논의를 관념적 철학에 고립시키지 않고 생활의 영역으로 확장한다.

첫째, 먹거리와 소비의 전환이다. 유전자 변형 농산물(GMO)이나 공장형 축산 중심의 소비 형태에서 벗어나 비건 채식, 생태 농업 등 생명을 살리는 방식으로의 전환을 강조한다.

둘째, 공동체와 마을의 복원이다. 파편화된 개인주의에서 벗어나 서로를 돌보고 생태적 자립을 도모하는 마을살림, 생명의 마을 공동체를 구축해야 한다고 본다.

셋째, 문명관의 대전환이다. 무한 성장의 신화와 자본주의적 양적 확장에서 벗어나, 스스로 절제하고 연결성을 회복하는 생태 영성 및 살림의 문명으로 나아가야 함을 주장한다.

2. 평론: 연기적 생태주의와 실천적 전환의 가능성

가치와 의의: 관계의 회복이라는 근본적 진단

<몸-마음 에콜로지>가 지닌 가장 큰 미덕은 기후 위기와 환경 파괴라는 외적 위기를 인간 내부의 마음 상태 및 몸의 삶의 방식과 통합하여 진단했다는 점이다. 대다수의 환경 담론이 기술적 해결책이나 정책적 대안에 집중할 때, 이 책은 생태 위기가 곧 <관계의 위기>이자 <마음의 위기>임을 명확히 한다. 불교적 생명학 및 동양 철학의 유기적 세계관을 현실의 생태 운동과 접목함으로써, 개개인의 삶의 양식 변화와 사회 구조적 전환을 잇는 단단한 고리를 제공한다.

특히 유정길의 논의는 오랜 수행과 시민운동 경험을 바탕으로 구축되어 설득력이 높다. 몸의 건강과 마음의 평화, 그리고 생태계의 건전성이 서로 따로 놀 수 없음을 보여줌으로써, 생태주의가 거창한 정치적 구호가 아니라 일상의 구체적 실천—먹거리, 소통, 소비 절제—에서 시작되어야 함을 설파한다.

한계 및 비판적 검토

그러나 본서의 주장은 몇 가지 한계와 과제를 안고 있다.

첫째, 개인의 자각과 윤리적 실천에 대한 과도한 의존이다. 개개인이 마음을 바꾸고 소비 양식을 바꾸는 것은 필수적이지만, 오늘날의 생태 위기는 거대한 자본주의 시스템과 거시적 산업 구조에 의해 주도된다. 구조적·제도적 변혁에 대한 정치경제학적 전략보다는 개개인의 윤리적·영성적 각성에 비중이 더 실려 있어, 대규모 시스템 전환을 이끌어내기에는 현실적 동력이 부족해 보일 수 있다.

둘째, 지역 공동체 및 생태 마을 구상의 현실적 난제이다. 소규모 마을 공동체와 자립적 삶의 방식은 지향점으로서 훌륭하나, 이미 고도로 도시화되고 자본화된 현대 사회에서 다수의 대중이 이를 직접 적용하기에는 문턱이 높다. 도시라는 거대한 거주 환경 속에서 살아가는 수많은 현대인이 어떻게 <몸-마음 에콜로지>를 현실적으로 구현할 수 있는지에 대한 구체적 매뉴얼이나 접점 형성이 다소 아쉽다.

결론 및 현대적 시의성

그럼에도 불구하고 <몸-마음 에콜로지>는 오늘날 기후 비상사태와 인간성 상실을 동시에 겪고 있는 현대 사회에 매우 유효한 화두를 던진다. 단순히 지구를 아끼자는 당위론적 주장을 넘어, 나의 몸과 마음이 곧 자연의 일부라는 사실을 깨닫는 자각이야말로 생태 전환의 출발점임을 각인시킨다. 이 책은 나와 세상의 연결고리를 되찾고자 하는 모든 이들에게 깊은 내면적 성찰과 실천적 방향성을 제시하는 귀중한 생태 철학서이다.

===

<몸-마음 에콜로지> 요약·평론

<몸-마음 에콜로지>는 생태위기를 자연환경만의 문제가 아니라 인간의 몸과 마음, 생활방식, 사회제도가 서로 어긋난 결과로 이해하는 책이다. 제목의 ‘에콜로지’는 숲과 강, 동식물을 보호하는 환경운동에 한정되지 않는다. 인간의 내면과 신체, 인간관계, 사회경제 체제, 자연생태계가 하나의 관계망을 이룬다는 넓은 의미의 생태학이다. 이 책의 중심 질문은 분명하다. 자연을 파괴하는 인간의 문명은 과연 인간 자신의 몸과 마음은 건강하게 만들었는가. 저자들의 대답은 부정적이다. 자연을 소유물과 자원으로 취급한 산업문명은 인간의 몸을 노동도구와 소비기계로 만들었고, 마음을 경쟁과 불안에 사로잡히게 했다.

책의 출발점은 몸과 마음을 분리해 온 근대적 인간관에 대한 비판이다. 근대사회는 정신을 이성적이고 고귀한 것으로, 몸을 통제해야 할 물질적 대상으로 간주했다. 학교와 직장에서는 몸의 리듬보다 효율과 규율이 중시되고, 의료에서는 몸이 고장 난 기계처럼 세분화된다. 마음 역시 개인의 두뇌나 심리 내부에 갇힌 것으로 이해된다. 그러나 실제의 인간은 몸과 마음을 분리할 수 없는 존재다. 불안은 심장박동과 호흡, 소화와 수면에 나타나고, 신체적 고통은 감정과 사고방식에 영향을 준다. 몸은 마음의 그릇이 아니라 마음이 직접 드러나는 장소이며, 마음 또한 몸과 관계와 환경 속에서 형성된다.

이러한 관점에서 건강은 질병이 없는 상태를 뜻하지 않는다. 건강은 몸과 마음, 개인과 공동체, 인간과 자연의 관계가 균형을 이루는 상태다. 현대인은 많은 의료기술과 물질적 편의를 누리면서도 만성피로, 우울, 불면, 비만, 중독, 소외에 시달린다. 이는 개인의 의지 부족만으로 설명할 수 없다. 과도한 노동, 불안정한 고용, 경쟁적 교육, 광고와 소비문화, 공동체 해체가 인간의 몸과 마음에 직접 새겨진 결과다. 따라서 치유 역시 개인에게 운동하고 명상하며 긍정적으로 생각하라고 요구하는 차원에 머물러서는 안 된다. 삶의 속도와 노동조건, 먹거리 체계, 주거와 도시환경, 인간관계까지 함께 바뀌어야 한다.

유정길의 글에서 특히 중요한 것은 ‘경쟁의 삶’과 ‘살림의 삶’의 대조다. 출판사가 공개한 일부 목차에는 유정길의 글과 관련해 “토끼와 거북이의 우화”, “경쟁의 가치, 죽임의 삶”, “살림의 사회”라는 표현이 나타난다. 이는 토끼와 거북이 이야기를 단순한 근면과 성공의 교훈으로 읽지 않고, 모든 존재를 승자와 패자로 나누는 경쟁사회의 상징으로 다시 해석하려는 시도다.

경쟁체제에서 타인은 함께 살아갈 이웃이 아니라 앞서가거나 제거해야 할 상대가 된다. 자연도 공존의 세계가 아니라 선점하고 개발해야 할 자원이 된다. 사람들은 경쟁에서 이기기 위해 몸을 혹사하고, 패배에 대한 두려움 때문에 마음을 소진한다. 경제성장은 풍요를 가져오지만 동시에 생태계 파괴, 노동착취, 과잉소비, 폐기물 증가를 낳는다. 이때 ‘죽임’은 직접적인 폭력만을 뜻하지 않는다. 타인의 삶을 수단화하고, 자연의 재생능력을 파괴하며, 자신의 몸과 감정을 억압하는 일상적 구조 전체가 죽임의 문화에 포함된다.

이에 맞서는 개념이 ‘살림’이다. 살림은 생명을 보존하고 돌보며 관계를 회복시키는 활동이다. 살림의 사회에서는 성공의 기준이 더 많이 생산하고 소유하는 데 있지 않다. 사람과 자연이 얼마나 건강한 관계를 맺는가, 약한 존재가 얼마나 보호받는가, 공동체가 생명을 얼마나 지속 가능하게 돌보는가가 중요하다. 밥을 짓고 아이와 노인을 돌보며, 흙을 가꾸고 쓰레기를 줄이고, 이웃과 협동하는 활동은 시장경제에서는 생산성이 낮거나 가치 없는 일로 취급되기 쉽다. 그러나 생태적 관점에서는 바로 이러한 활동이 사회를 유지하는 핵심 노동이다.

책은 먹거리 문제도 몸-마음 생태학의 중요한 영역으로 다룬다. 음식은 단순한 영양소가 아니다. 흙과 물, 농민의 노동, 동식물의 생명, 유통과 소비가 한 끼 식사 안에 연결되어 있다. 값싸고 편리한 음식 뒤에는 대량생산, 화학농업, 장거리 운송, 과도한 포장과 폐기물이 숨어 있다. 무엇을 먹느냐는 개인 취향인 동시에 사회적·생태적 선택이다. 천천히 먹고, 필요한 만큼만 덜어 남기지 않으며, 생산자와 자연의 수고를 생각하는 행위는 몸의 건강뿐 아니라 마음의 태도까지 바꾼다. 유정길이 에코붓다를 통해 음식물쓰레기를 줄이는 ‘빈그릇운동’을 전개한 것도 이러한 생태적 실천의 연장선에 있다. 그는 정토회 창립 초기부터 불교수행과 사회운동에 참여했으며, 생태교육과 음식물쓰레기 감축 운동을 전개해 왔다.

불교적 관점에서 보면 이 책의 관계론은 연기 사상과 맞닿아 있다. 어떤 존재도 홀로 존재하지 않으며, 모든 것은 무수한 조건과 관계에 의존해 생겨난다. 인간의 몸에는 햇빛과 물, 흙과 공기, 농부와 요리사의 노동이 들어 있다. 따라서 자연을 파괴하는 행위는 외부의 대상을 훼손하는 것이 아니라 자기 존재의 조건을 파괴하는 일이다. 환경윤리는 자연을 불쌍히 여겨 보호하는 인간 중심적 자선이 아니라, 인간과 자연이 본래 분리되어 있지 않다는 자각에서 출발해야 한다.

욕망에 대한 분석도 중요하다. 이 책은 욕망 자체를 죄악시하기보다, 욕망을 끊임없이 증폭시키는 소비사회를 문제 삼는다. 광고는 현재의 나로는 충분하지 않다는 결핍감을 조성하고, 상품을 통해 정체성과 행복을 획득할 수 있다고 약속한다. 그러나 소비를 통해 얻는 만족은 짧고, 곧 새로운 결핍이 만들어진다. 소비가 늘어날수록 행복해지기보다 비교와 불안이 커지는 역설이 나타난다. 생태적 삶은 욕망을 강압적으로 억누르는 금욕이 아니라, 무엇이 정말 필요한지 성찰하며 ‘충분함’을 배우는 과정이다.

몸과 마음을 돌보는 명상과 수행도 책의 핵심 주제다. 명상은 현실을 떠나는 도피가 아니라 자신의 몸과 감정, 욕망이 어떻게 움직이는지를 알아차리는 연습이다. 호흡과 걸음, 식사와 노동에 주의를 기울이면 인간은 자동적인 소비와 경쟁의 흐름에서 잠시 벗어날 수 있다. 다만 수행은 개인의 평온만을 얻기 위한 기술이 되어서는 안 된다. 내면의 평화가 사회적 불의와 생태파괴를 외면하는 방식으로 사용된다면, 수행은 체제 적응의 도구로 전락한다. 진정한 마음공부는 자신과 세계의 관계를 바꾸고, 타인의 고통에 응답하는 실천으로 이어져야 한다.

이 책의 가장 큰 장점은 환경문제와 마음문제를 하나의 틀 안에서 바라본다는 데 있다. 환경운동은 흔히 탄소배출, 에너지, 쓰레기와 같은 외적 문제에 집중하고, 심리치유나 명상은 개인의 스트레스와 내면에 집중한다. 그러나 자연을 파괴하는 체제와 인간을 소진시키는 체제는 서로 다르지 않다. 무한경쟁, 무한생산, 무한소비라는 동일한 원리가 자연과 인간을 함께 고갈시킨다. 따라서 생태전환은 에너지원을 바꾸거나 친환경 상품을 소비하는 데 그치지 않고, 인간이 행복과 성공을 이해하는 방식 자체를 바꾸어야 한다.

또한 생태학을 추상적인 철학으로만 다루지 않고 먹기, 걷기, 노동하기, 돌보기, 소비하기와 같은 일상의 영역으로 확장한다는 점도 높이 평가할 만하다. 거대한 기후위기 앞에서 개인은 무력감을 느끼기 쉽지만, 이 책은 일상의 작은 행동이 몸과 마음의 습관을 바꾸고 새로운 사회적 관계를 만드는 출발점이 될 수 있다고 말한다. 개인적 수행과 사회운동을 대립시키지 않고 연결하려는 태도가 책의 중요한 성취다.

그러나 몇 가지 한계도 있다. 첫째, 생태위기의 구조적 원인을 충분히 분석하지 않고 개인의 마음과 생활습관에 무게를 둘 위험이 있다. 소비를 줄이고 마음을 비우는 일은 중요하지만, 대기업의 생산방식, 국가의 성장정책, 국제무역과 금융체제, 에너지산업의 권력에 대한 분석이 없다면 책임이 개인에게 전가될 수 있다. 기후위기는 탐욕스러운 개인들의 집합적 결과이기도 하지만, 이윤과 성장을 제도적으로 강제하는 정치경제 체제의 결과이기도 하다.

둘째, 몸과 자연, 여성성과 돌봄을 연결하는 논의는 조심스럽게 다루어야 한다. 생명과 돌봄의 가치를 강조하는 과정에서 여성을 본래 자연 친화적이고 돌봄에 적합한 존재로 규정한다면, 전통적인 성역할을 강화할 수 있다. 생태적 돌봄은 여성에게 맡겨진 희생적 의무가 아니라 모든 시민과 제도가 함께 부담해야 할 사회적 책임이어야 한다.

셋째, 여러 필자가 참여한 공동 저작의 특성상 논의의 초점과 깊이가 고르지 않을 가능성이 있다. 몸, 마음, 교육, 생태, 종교, 공동체라는 넓은 주제를 포괄하는 장점이 있지만, 이론적 체계가 하나로 긴밀하게 통합되기보다 다양한 사례와 관점이 병렬적으로 제시될 수 있다. 독자는 이를 완결된 단일 이론서보다 몸-마음 생태학으로 들어가는 입문적 문제 제기로 읽는 편이 적절하다.

그럼에도 <몸-마음 에콜로지>는 오늘날 더욱 의미가 커진 책이다. 기후위기와 생물다양성 붕괴뿐 아니라 우울, 불안, 고립, 돌봄의 위기가 동시에 심화되는 현실은 생태문제와 마음문제가 별개의 것이 아님을 보여준다. 자연환경이 무너지는 동안 인간의 내면만 평화로울 수 없고, 인간의 욕망과 사회제도가 변하지 않은 채 자연만 보존할 수도 없다.

이 책이 제시하는 핵심 메시지는 인간이 자연을 구원해야 한다는 데 있지 않다. 인간 자신이 이미 자연이며, 몸과 마음과 사회와 지구가 하나의 생명망을 이루고 있다는 사실을 다시 깨달아야 한다는 데 있다. 생태적 전환은 바깥의 자연을 관리하는 기술이기 전에, 우리가 자신과 타인과 세계를 대하는 방식을 바꾸는 문명적 전환이다. 경쟁에서 살림으로, 소유에서 관계로, 과잉에서 충분함으로, 지배에서 돌봄으로 이동하는 것—이것이 <몸-마음 에콜로지>가 제안하는 삶의 방향이다.

===
이 책은 유정길의 후속 저서 <생태사회와 녹색불교>와 함께 읽을 때, 개인의 몸과 마음에 관한 문제의식이 사회체제와 불교적 생태윤리로 어떻게 확장되는지를 더 분명하게 볼 수 있습니다.

Blessed vs. blest – Correct Spelling – Grammarist

Blessed vs. blest – Correct Spelling – Grammarist

https://grammarist.com/spelling/blessed-blest/



Blessed vs. blest



Blessed is the past tense and past participle of bless. Blest is an archaic form that shows up mainly in references to old, mostly poetical texts and as a poetic affectation. Elsewhere, it has been pushed out of the language. This is the case throughout the English-speaking world.



Primis Player Placeholder











Both spellings descend from older forms in Old and Middle English, and both developed around the  14th century,1 though blessed is probably a little older. Blessed is one of a number of -ed words that gained a -t variant when the vowel sound in -ed was dropped around the 16th century.2 



Blest was never more common than blessed, though, and today we remember it mainly because it appears in some great literary works of the early modern era. Shakespeare, for example, used it a few dozen times (at least in the early renderings of his plays, which were assembled by several people with different spelling preferences, and where blessed is actually about twice as common as blest). It is probably significant that in our searches for historical examples of the two forms, most instances of blest are in poetry. Blessed, meanwhile, is disproportionately common in Christian texts.



The old, two-syllable pronunciation of blessed (bless-id) survives in religious oratory and in some religious phrases, but elsewhere the word’s ending is pronounced like that of other words ending in -essed—that is, est instead of ess-id. 



-----------



Examples



Rude am I in my speech, / And little blest with the soft phrase of peace. [Othello, Shakespeare (1604)]



Thrice all hail! and blessed be / Those that love and honor thee. [“Phil’arete,” George Wither (early 17th century)]



Blest paper-credit! last and best supply! / That lends corruption lighter wings to fly! [The Dunciad, Alexander Pope (1729)]



Though blessed with only a trembling faith herself, she was desirous of animating the confidence or others. [The Evangelical Magazine, vol. 10 (1802)]



Having few wants, blest with a climate in which the rudest methods of cultivation produce abundance of food for their use, they out to be a happy and contented race. [Popular Science (1889)]



Hurriedly Bilbo stepped back and blessed the luck of his ring. [The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolien (1937)]



How blest we are to be able to rely on lawfully constituted government backed by such documents as our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. [Gainesville Sun (1991)]



He has always been blessed with the sort of temperament that enables him to ignore all distractions. [Telegraph (2012)]

Death is not the end: Fascinating funeral traditions around the globe |

Death is not the end: Fascinating funeral traditions around the globe |



Death is not the end: Fascinating funeral traditions from around the globe

Oct 1, 2013 / Kate Torgovnick May



The funerals I’ve attended have all been very much the same. Relatives and friends arrive in all black and take seats in the church or synagogue pews for a somber ceremony where prayers are said, memories are shared and tears are shed. The attendees walk slowly out to their cars and form a single file line a behind the hearse, arriving at the graveyard where they place roses on the casket just before it’s lowered into the ground. Then, they proceed to the immediate family’s home, where the doorbell rings with a steady stream of loved ones — casserole dishes in hand — since, in the days ahead, people often forget to eat.



Cultural anthropologist Kelli Swazey (TED Talk: Life that doesn’t end with death) shares a different approach to memorializing the dead. In Tana Toraja in eastern Indonesia, funerals are raucous affairs involving the whole village. They can last anywhere from days to weeks. Families save up for long periods of time to raise the resources for a lavish funeral, where sacrificial water buffalo will carry the deceased’s soul to the afterlife. Until that moment — which can take place years after physical death — the dead relative is referred to simply as a “person who is sick,” or even one “who is asleep.” They are laid down special rooms in the family home, where they are symbolically fed, cared for and taken out — very much still a part of their relative’s lives.



During Kelli Swazey's TED Talk, she shows a slide of a Torajan family with their deceased relative.



Funeral practices are deeply ingrained in culture and around the globe hugely varied traditions reflect a wide spread of beliefs and values. Here, a look at just a few of funeral traditions that might strike someone outside a culture as odd.



The New Orleans jazz funeral. It’s one of the prototypical images of New Orleans, Louisiana: the boisterous, jazz-tinged funeral procession. Fusing West African, French and African-American traditions, funerals in New Orleans strike a unique balance between joy and grief as mourners are lead by a marching band. The band plays sorrowful dirges at first, but once the body is buried, they shift to an upbeat note. Cathartic dancing is generally a part of the event, to commemorate the life of the deceased. [Wikipedia]



A jazz funeral in New Orleans is held for legendary jazz musician Doc Paulin who led many funerals in New Orleans with his trumpet. Photo by Derek Bridges.

A jazz funeral in New Orleans is held for legendary jazz musician Doc Paulin who led many funerals in New Orleans with his trumpet. Photo by Derek Bridges/CC BY-NC-ND.

South Korean burial beads. In South Korea, a law passed in 2000 requires anyone burying a loved one to remove the grave after 60 years. Because of dwindling graveyard space and this resulting law, cremation has become much more popular. But families don’t always opt for ashes. Several companies there compress remains into gem-like beads in turquoise, pink or black. These “death beads” are then displayed in the home. [The Week]



Filipino death traditions. Many ethnic groups in the Philippines have unique funeral practices. The Benguet of Northwestern Philippines blindfold their dead and place them next to the main entrance of the house; their Tinguian neighbors dress bodies in their best clothes, sit them on a chair and place a lit cigarette in their lips. The Caviteño, who live near Manila, bury their dead in a hollowed-out tree trunk. When someone becomes ill, they select the tree where they will eventually be entombed. Meanwhile, the Apayo, who live in the north, bury their dead under the kitchen. [Wikipedia]



Sky burial in Mongolia and Tibet. Many Vajrayana Buddhists in Mongolia and Tibet believe in the transmigration of spirits after death — that the soul moves on, while the body becomes an empty vessel. To return it to the earth, the body is chopped into pieces and placed on a mountaintop, which exposes it to the elements — including vultures. It’s a practice that’s been done for thousands of years and, according to a recent report, about 80% of Tibetans still choose it. [The Buddhist Channel]



The Drigung Monastery is famous for performing sky burials. Photo by Antoine Taveneaux/Wikimedia.

The Drigung Monastery is famous for performing sky burials. Photo by Antoine Taveneau/CC BY-SA.

Green funerals. In the United States, more and more people are opting for environmentally friendly burials. This means skipping embalming processes, nixing traditional concrete vaults and getting biodegradable, woven-willow caskets, which decompose into the ground. The Green Burial Council has approved 40 environmentally friendly cemeteries in the U.S. — way up from a decade ago. Another option: becoming a memorial “reef ball.” A company called Eternal Reefs compresses remains into a sphere that is attached to a reef in the ocean, providing a habitat for sea life. [Newsweek, Wall Street Journal]



Balinese cremation. “Strange as it seems, it is in their cremation ceremonies that the Balinese have their greatest fun,” Miguel Covarrubias wrote in the 1937 book, Island of Bali. In 2008, the island saw one of its most lavish cremations ever as Agung Suyasa, head of the royal family, was burned along with 68 commoners. Thousands of volunteers gathered to carry a giant bamboo platform, an enormous wooden bull and wooden dragon. After a long procession, Suyasa’s body was eventually placed inside the bull and burned as the dragon stood witness. In the Balinese tradition, cremation releases the soul so it is free to inhabit a new body — and doing this is considered a sacred duty. [The New York Times]



The smoking remnants of a. Photo by trezy humanoiz/Flickr.

The smoking remnants of a Balinese cremation. Photo by trezy humanoiz/CC BY.

The turning of the bones in Madagascar. The Malagasy people of Madagascar have a famous ritual called “famadihana,” or “the turning of the bones.” Once every five or seven years, a family has a celebration at its ancestral crypt where the bodies, wrapped in cloth, are exhumed and sprayed with wine or perfume. As a band plays at the lively event, family members dance with the bodies. For some, it’s a chance to pass family news to the deceased and ask for their blessings — for others, it’s a time to remember and tell stories of the dead. [The New York Times]



A turning of the bones ceremony in Madagascar. Photo by Hery Zo Rakotondramanana/CC BY-SA.

A turning of the bones ceremony in Madagascar. Photo by Hery Zo Rakotondramanana/CC BY-SA.



Aboriginal mortuary rites in Australia. When a loved one dies in Aboriginal society in Australia’s Northern Territory, elaborate rituals begin. First, a smoking ceremony is held in the loved one’s living area to drive away their spirit. Next a feast is held, with mourners painted ochre as they partake in food and dance. The body is traditionally placed atop a platform and covered in leaves as it is left to decompose. It has been reported that in some traditions, fluids from the platform can help identify the deceased’s killer. [PubMed]



Ghana fantasy coffins. In Ghana, people aspire to be buried in coffins that represent their work or something they loved in life. These so-called “fantasy coffins” were recently popularized by Buzzfeed, which showed images of 29 outrageous ones, from a coffin shaped like a Mercedes-Benz for a businessman to an oversized fish for a fisherman to a really big Bible for someone who loved going to church. [Buzzfeed]



The Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop, where many of the fantasy coffins are made. Photo by Jean-Michel Rousset/CC BY-SA.



Also worth noting: it’s not always black that signifies death, as it does in the West — white, purple, grey, green and yellow also mark the passage of life. Check out this visualization from David McCandless (TED Talk: The beauty of data visualization) to see which color is used where: row 16 shows the color associated with death and row 59 reveals the varied colors associated with mourning.



Liz Jacobs contributed to this post.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Torgovnick May is a writer at TED.com. She can also solve a Rubik's Cube in less than two minutes. Read more about her work at KateTorgovnickMay.com.



anthropologyAustraliaBaliceremoniesculturedeathfuneralsGhanaIndonesiaKelli SwazeyMadagascarMongoliaphotographySouth KoreaThe PhilippinesTibetUnited Statesworld cultures

Memorial Verses and Memorial Wording for gravestones | Hand Made Signs - Pet memorials - Memorials - House signs

Memorial Verses and Memorial Wording for gravestones | Hand Made Signs - Pet memorials - Memorials - House signs




Memorial Verses and Memorial Wording for gravestones

In loving memory of Sam

1.

Our thoughts are ever with you
though you have passed away.
And those who loved you dearly
Are thinking of you today.




2.

Everyday in some small way
Memories of you come our way.
Though absent, you are always near
Still missed, loved and always dear.

3.

Your presence I/we miss,
Your memory I/we treasure,
Loving you always,
Forgetting you never.

4.
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God can tell us why.

5.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

6.
We can't have old days back
When we were all together.
But secret tears and loving thoughts
Will be with us forever.

7.
Thank you for loving and sharing

For giving and for caring.
God bless you and keep you,
Until we meet again.

8.
In our hearts your memory lingers,
Sweetly tender, fond and true,
There is not a day, dear Mother (Father),
That we do not think of you.

9.
When a loved one becomes a memory
That memory becomes a treasure.



10.

Your gentle face and patient smile
With sadness we recall
You had a kindly word for each
And died beloved by all.

11.
Your life was a blessing
your memory a treasure...
You are loved beyond words
and missed beyond measure...

12.
You are not forgotten loved one
Nor will you ever be.
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.


13.
We miss you now, our hearts are sore,
As time goes by we miss you more,
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can fill your vacant place.

14.
Your touch, your smile,
Was always so tender,
Today, tomorrow,
We will always remember.

15
We miss you in so many ways,
We miss the things you used to say,
And when old times we do recall,
It�s then we miss you most of all.


16
Nothing can ever take away
The love a heart holds dear.
Fond memories linger every day
Remembrance keeps him/her near.


17
Looking back with memories,
Upon the path you trod,
We bless the hours we had with you,
And leave the rest with God.

18
Those we love we never lose,
For always they will be,
Loved, remembered, treasured,
Always in our memory.

19.
Always in our thoughts
Forever in our hearts



20.

Tenderly we treasure the past
With memories that will always last.

21.

Remembering you on this day,
Comforted by so many memories.

22.

Though absent you are very near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

23..
In the hearts of those who loved you
You will always be there.

24.
our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

25.
Think of him/her as living
In the hearts of those he/she touched.
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he/she was loved so much!

26
A silent thought, a secret tear,
Keeps your memory ever dear,
God took you home, it was his will,




But in our hearts, you live still.










*27.




I have fought the good fight




I have finished the race




I have kept the faith.




~




II Timothy 4:7










28.




God saw you getting tired




and a cure was not to be.




So he put his arms around you




and whispered "Come to Me".




A golden heart stopped beating,




hard working hands now rest.




God broke our hearts to prove to us




He only takes the best.










29




God saw you getting tired




and a cure was not to be.




So he put his arms around you,




and whispered "Come to Me".




With tearful eyes we watched you,




we watched you fade away.




Although we loved you dearly,




we could not make you stay.




A golden heart stopped beating,




hard working hands now rest.




God broke our hearts to p




rove to us




He only takes the best.










30.




Life is but a stopping place,




A pause in what's to be,




A resting place along the road,




To sweet eternity.










We all have different journeys,




Different paths along the way,




We are all meant to learn some things,




But never meant to stay.










Our destination is a place,




Far greater than we know,




For some the journey's quicker,




For some the journey's slow.










But when the journey finally ends,




We'll claim a great reward,




And find an everlasting peace,




Together with the Lord.










31.




Little did we know that morning




God was going to call your name.




In life we loved you dearly,




in death we do the same.




It broke our hearts to lose you,




but you did not go alone.




For part of us went with you,




the day God called you home.




You left us peaceful memories,




your love is still our guide.




And though we cannot see you,




you are always by our side.




Our family chain is broken




and nothing seems the same.




But as God calls us one by one,




the chain will link again.










32




If we could have a lifetime wish




and one dream that could come true




We would pray to God with all our




hearts just to see and speak to you




A thousand words won�t bring you back




We know because we�ve tried




and neither will a million tears




We know because we�ve cried




You�ve left behind our broken hearts




and precious memories too




But we�ve never wanted memories




We only wanted you










33.










Right now I'm in a different place




And though we seem apart




I'm closer than I ever was




... I'm there inside your heart










I'm with you when you greet each day




And while the sun shines bright




I'm there to share the sunsets, too




... I'm with you every night










I'm with you when the times are good




To share a laugh or two,




And if a tear should start to fall




... I'll still be there for you










And when that day arrives




That we no longer are apart,




I'll smile and hold you close to me




... Forever in my heart










34




As you hold me close in memory,




even though we are apart,




my spirit will live on,




there within your heart .




I am with you always.









When you lean on trusted friends




and their caring hugs enfold you,




within their loving arms,




I'll be there to hold you.




I am with you always.










And beyond the far horizon




when we'll finally be together,




where love will be eternal




and life will last forever.




I am with you always.










35.




God looked around his garden




and found an empty place




He then looked down upon this earth




and saw your tired face




He put his arms around you




and lifted you to rest




God�s garden must be beautiful




He always takes the best




He knew that you were suffering




He knew you were in pain




He knew that you would never




get well on earth again




He saw that the road was getting rough




and the hills are hard to climb




So he closed your weary eyelids




and whispered, �Peace be thine�




It broke our hearts to lose you




But you didn�t go alone




For part of us went with you




The day God called you home










36.




Although death has separated us physically,




faith and love have bound us eternally.




Though we cannot see you,




we know you are here.




Though we cannot touch you,




we feel the warmth of your smile,




as we begin a new chapter in our lives.










37.




Today we pause to reflect upon




those who have shaped our character,




molded our spirits and touched our hearts.




May the lighting of this candle be a




reminder of the memories we have shared,




a representation of the everlasting




impact you have made upon our lives.










38.




You were a gift sent straight from Heaven.




Given to us from God above.




We didn't know how much you would teach us




About the meaning of true love...




For true love sometimes means letting go




Of someone precious and dear.




That is what we were forced to do...




Although we wanted to keep you here!!!




However, this is quite a selfish wish.




One we know we should ignore...




But, sweet (babies name), we truly do believe




That God must have needed you more...




Perhaps to be an Angel now,




Full of wisdom and love...




Watching over those of us who love you




From the shining stars above.




We miss you more than you can know.




You will never be replaced...




In our hearts and memories forever,




Will be your sweet and innocent sleeping face.










39.




If Roses grow in Heaven,




Lord please pick a bunch for me




Place them in my Mother's arms




And tell her they're from me




Tell her I love her and miss her




And when she turns to smile




Place a kiss upon her cheek




And hold her for awhile




Because remembering her is easy,




I do it every day




But there's an ache within my heart




Because I am missing her today...










40.




Those we love remain with us




for love itself lives on




Cherished memories never fade




because one loved is gone




Those we love can never be




more than a thought apart




For as long as there is a memory




they live on in our heart










41




Do not stand at my grave and weep.




I am not there, I do not sleep.




I am a thousand winds that blow.




I am a diamond glint of snow.




I am the sunlight on ripened grain.




I am the gentle autumn rain.




When you awake in the morning hush,




I am the swift uplifting rush




of quiet birds in circling flight.




I am the soft star shine at night.




Do not stand by my grave and cry




I am not there...




I did not die.










42.




Footsteps In The Sand










One night a man had a dream.




He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.




Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.




For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:




one belonging to him and the other to the LORD.




When the last scene of his life flashed before him




he looked back, at the footprints in the sand.




He noticed that many times along the path of his life




there was only one set of footprints.




He also noticed that it happened at the very




lowest and saddest times of his life.




This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:




"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,




you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that




during the most troublesome times in my life




there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand




why when I needed you most you would leave me."




The LORD replied:




"My son, My precious child,




I love you and I would never leave you.




During your times of trial and suffering,




when you see only one set of footprints,




it was then that I carried you."










43.




I�d like the memory of me




to be a happy one,




I�d like to leave an afterglow




of smiles when life is done..




I�d like to leave an echo




whispering softly down the ways,




Of happy times and laughing times




and bright and sunny days.




I�d like the tears of those who grieve,




to dry before the sun,




Of happy memories that I leave behind




When life is done.










44.




This day will be a celebration




of the short time you were here.




You will always be remembered




with great love and many tears.




But to only feel pain and sorrow




would not be fair to you.




Your life meant so much more to us,




more than words could say.




You were here so briefly,




I wonder if you knew




all the ways you�ve touched




our world and our hearts




and everyone who knew you




since the day God called you home.




Now my child, you�re an angel




with your heavenly Father above,




we see not only what we�ve lost




but our capacity of love.




There will always be a big void




in our life and a hole in our




hearts that will never heal.




Our souls will grieve forever.




Will we forget or stop loving you?




No! Not now�not ever.




As this day is upon us,




oh, how our hearts still hurt.




But even as I mourn your death,




we will always celebrate your birth.




It was the happiest day of our li1.




Our thoughts are ever with you




Though you have passed away.




And those who loved you dearly




Are thinking of you today.




2.




Everyday in some small way




Memories of you come our way.




Though absent, you are always near




Still missed, loved and always dear.










3.




Your presence I/we miss,




Your memory I/we treasure,




Loving you always,




Forgetting you never.










4.




No farewell words were spoken,




No time to say goodbye,




You were gone before we knew it,




And only God can tell us why.










5.




Those we love don't go away,




They walk beside us every day,




Unseen, unheard, but always near,




Still loved, still missed and very dear.










6.




We can't have old days back




When we were all together.




But secret tears and loving thoughts




Will be with us forever.










7.




Thank you for loving and sharingFor giving and for caring.




God bless you and keep you,




Until we meet again.










8.




In our hearts your memory lingers,




Sweetly tender, fond and true,




There is not a day, dear Mother (Father),




That we do not think of you.










9.




When a loved one becomes a memory




That memory becomes a treasure.










10.




Your gentle face and patient smile




With sadness we recall




You had a kindly word for each




And died beloved by all.










11.




Your life was a blessing




your memory a treasure...




You are loved beyond words




and missed beyond measure...










12.




You are not forgotten loved one




Nor will you ever be.




As long as life and memory last




We will remember thee.










13.




We miss you now, our hearts are sore,




As time goes by we miss you more,




Your loving smile, your gentle face,




No one can fill your vacant place.









14.




Your touch, your smile,




Was always so tender,




Today, tomorrow,




We will always remember.










15




We miss you in so many ways,




We miss the things you used to say,




And when old times we do recall,




It�s then we miss you most of all.










16




Nothing can ever take away




The love a heart holds dear.




Fond memories linger every day




Remembrance keeps him/her near.










17




Looking back with memories,




Upon the path you trod,




We bless the hours we had with you,




And leave the rest with God.










18




Those we love we never lose,




For always they will be,




Loved, remembered, treasured,




Always in our memory.










19.




Always in our thoughts




Forever in our hearts










20.




Tenderly we treasure the past




With memories that will always last.










21.




Remembering you on this day,




Comforted by so many memories.










22.




Though absent you are very near,




Still loved, still missed and very dear.










23..




In the hearts of those who loved you




You will always be there.










24.




our hearts to lose you,




But you did not go alone.




For part of us went with you,




The day God called you home.










25.




Think of him/her as living




In the hearts of those he/she touched.




For nothing loved is ever lost




And he/she was loved so much!










26




A silent thought, a secret tear,




Keeps your memory ever dear,




God took you home, it was his will,




But in our hearts, you live still.










*27.




I have fought the good fight




I have finished the race




I have kept the faith.




~




II Timothy 4:7










28.




God saw you getting tired




and a cure was not to be.




So he put his arms around you




and whispered "Come to Me".




A golden heart stopped beating,




hard working hands now rest.




God broke our hearts to prove to us




He only takes the best.










29




God saw you getting tired




and a cure was not to be.




So he put his arms around you,




and whispered "Come to Me".




With tearful eyes we watched you,




we watched you fade away.




Although we loved you dearly,




we could not make you stay.




A golden heart stopped beating,




hard working hands now rest.




God broke our hearts to p




rove to us




He only takes the best.










30.




Life is but a stopping place,




A pause in what's to be,




A resting place along the road,




To sweet eternity.










We all have different journeys,




Different paths along the way,




We are all meant to learn some things,




But never meant to stay.










Our destination is a place,




Far greater than we know,




For some the journey's quicker,




For some the journey's slow.










But when the journey finally ends,




We'll claim a great reward,




And find an everlasting peace,




Together with the Lord.










31.




Little did we know that morning




God was going to call your name.




In life we loved you dearly,




in death we do the same.




It broke our hearts to lose you,




but you did not go alone.




For part of us went with you,




the day God called you home.




You left us peaceful memories,




your love is still our guide.




And though we cannot see you,




you are always by our side.




Our family chain is broken




and nothing seems the same.




But as God calls us one by one,




the chain will link again.










32




If we could have a lifetime wish




and one dream that could come true




We would pray to God with all our




hearts just to see and speak to you




A thousand words won�t bring you back




We know because we�ve tried




and neither will a million tears




We know because we�ve cried




You�ve left behind our broken hearts




and precious memories too




But we�ve never wanted memories




We only wanted you










33.










Right now I'm in a different place




And though we seem apart




I'm closer than I ever was




... I'm there inside your heart










I'm with you when you greet each day




And while the sun shines bright




I'm there to share the sunsets, too




... I'm with you every night










I'm with you when the times are good




To share a laugh or two,




And if a tear should start to fall




... I'll still be there for you










And when that day arrives




That we no longer are apart,




I'll smile and hold you close to me




... Forever in my heart










34




As you hold me close in memory,




even though we are apart,




my spirit will live on,




there within your heart .




I am with you always.









When you lean on trusted friends




and their caring hugs enfold you,




within their loving arms,




I'll be there to hold you.




I am with you always.










And beyond the far horizon




when we'll finally be together,




where love will be eternal




and life will last forever.




I am with you always.










35.




God looked around his garden




and found an empty place




He then looked down upon this earth




and saw your tired face




He put his arms around you




and lifted you to rest




God�s garden must be beautiful




He always takes the best




He knew that you were suffering




He knew you were in pain




He knew that you would never




get well on earth again




He saw that the road was getting rough




and the hills are hard to climb




So he closed your weary eyelids




and whispered, �Peace be thine�




It broke our hearts to lose you




But you didn�t go alone




For part of us went with you




The day God called you home










36.




Although death has separated us physically,




faith and love have bound us eternally.




Though we cannot see you,




we know you are here.




Though we cannot touch you,




we feel the warmth of your smile,




as we begin a new chapter in our lives.










37.




Today we pause to reflect upon




those who have shaped our character,




molded our spirits and touched our hearts.




May the lighting of this candle be a




reminder of the memories we have shared,




a representation of the everlasting




impact you have made upon our lives.










38.




You were a gift sent straight from Heaven.




Given to us from God above.




We didn't know how much you would teach us




About the meaning of true love...




For true love sometimes means letting go




Of someone precious and dear.




That is what we were forced to do...




Although we wanted to keep you here!!!




However, this is quite a selfish wish.




One we know we should ignore...




But, sweet (babies name), we truly do believe




That God must have needed you more...




Perhaps to be an Angel now,




Full of wisdom and love...




Watching over those of us who love you




From the shining stars above.




We miss you more than you can know.




You will never be replaced...




In our hearts and memories forever,




Will be your sweet and innocent sleeping face.










39.




If Roses grow in Heaven,




Lord please pick a bunch for me




Place them in my Mother's arms




And tell her they're from me




Tell her I love her and miss her




And when she turns to smile




Place a kiss upon her cheek




And hold her for awhile




Because remembering her is easy,




I do it every day




But there's an ache within my heart




Because I am missing her today...










40.




Those we love remain with us




for love itself lives on




Cherished memories never fade




because one loved is gone




Those we love can never be




more than a thought apart




For as long as there is a memory




they live on in our heart










41




Do not stand at my grave and weep.




I am not there, I do not sleep.




I am a thousand winds that blow.




I am a diamond glint of snow.




I am the sunlight on ripened grain.




I am the gentle autumn rain.




When you awake in the morning hush,




I am the swift uplifting rush




of quiet birds in circling flight.




I am the soft star shine at night.




Do not stand by my grave and cry




I am not there...




I did not die.










42.




Footsteps In The Sand










One night a man had a dream.




He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.




Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.




For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:




one belonging to him and the other to the LORD.




When the last scene of his life flashed before him




he looked back, at the footprints in the sand.




He noticed that many times along the path of his life




there was only one set of footprints.




He also noticed that it happened at the very




lowest and saddest times of his life.




This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:




"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,




you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that




during the most troublesome times in my life




there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand




why when I needed you most you would leave me."




The LORD replied:




"My son, My precious child,




I love you and I would never leave you.




During your times of trial and suffering,




when you see only one set of footprints,




it was then that I carried you."










43.




I�d like the memory of me




to be a happy one,




I�d like to leave an afterglow




of smiles when life is done..




I�d like to leave an echo




whispering softly down the ways,




Of happy times and laughing times




and bright and sunny days.




I�d like the tears of those who grieve,




to dry before the sun,




Of happy memories that I leave behind




When life is done.










44.




This day will be a celebration




of the short time you were here.




You will always be remembered




with great love and many tears.




But to only feel pain and sorrow




would not be fair to you.




Your life meant so much more to us,




more than words could say.




You were here so briefly,




I wonder if you knew




all the ways you�ve touched




our world and our hearts




and everyone who knew you




since the day God called you home.




Now my child, you�re an angel




with your heavenly Father above,




we see not only what we�ve lost




but our capacity of love.




There will always be a big void




in our life and a hole in our




hearts that will never heal.




Our souls will grieve forever.




Will we forget or stop loving you?




No! Not now�not ever.




As this day is upon us,




oh, how our hearts still hurt.




But even as I mourn your death,




we will always celebrate your birth.




It was the happiest day of our li

How Different Religions Bury Their Dead | The Wichita Eagle

How Different Religions Bury Their Dead | The Wichita Eagle



How Different Religions Bury Their Dead


BY HELEN T. GRAY
MAY 13, 2011 12:00 AM , UPDATED JULY 15, 2019 01:09 PM





Play Video
Duration 2:01

Family arrives to say goodbye to Kate Spade in Kansas City

Family arrives at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Redemptorist Church in Kansas City, Mo. to say goodbye to fashion icon Kate Spade. BY SHELLY YANG | JILL TOYOSHIBA



In Islam, the deceased are to be buried within 24 hours.

This was highlighted in media reports of the death of Osama bin Laden. And controversy arose over bin Laden’s burial at sea.

Each major religion has its customs concerning burial. Although they vary widely, the one common denominator is respect for the body.


Islam

Russell Mohammed, a director of the Mid-America Muslim Cemetery, said the 24-hour burial is not in the Qur’an but is a cultural practice from the faith’s desire to respect the body and to a void decay.

Since autopsies would injure the body, those are to be avoided, he said.

Breaking news & more

Sign up for one of our many newsletters to be the first to know when big news breaksSIGN UP


“Also, we don’t embalm,” Mohammed said. “This is disrespecting the body.”

Since the cemetery is near the Islamic Center in south Kansas City, Mo., washing of the body is done at the center, he said. Then it is wrapped in a white shroud.

After that are prayers, and the body is taken to the cemetery.

“We don’t normally use caskets, just bury in the ground, where it (the body) becomes part of the soil,” he said. “The upper part of the body, the head, is turned toward Mecca.

“We respect the deceased just as if they were alive. The washing and the wrapping with a shroud is done carefully. We do not allow viewing of the body except for the immediate family after the washing.”

Local news has never been more important

Subscribe for unlimited digital access to the news that matters to your community.#READLOCAL


Mohammed said some Muslim countries do not allow women to go to the cemetery because they think they will be too emotional.

“We allow them to stand at a distance, and after the burial site is covered, they can come closer.”

Mohammed said that in some Muslim countries there are processions in the streets with the body in a casket. But that is not done in the U. S., he said.

“And we do not do a eulogy,” he said. “Whatever you are going to say about someone, you say it while the person is alive.”


Some Islamic clerics said bin Laden’s burial at sea violated Islamic law. White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan said that the Obama administration consulted “appropriate special ists and experts” before making the decision and that finding a country to accept bin Laden’s body and making burial arrangements would have taken longer than 24 hours.

Judaism

Similarly, the traditional Jewish custom is to bury the deceased within 24 hours or if not, within 48 hours, said Rabbi Herbert Mandl of Kehilath Israel Synagogue.

“We don’t embalm,” he said. “Embalming is against Jewish law because you are not to tamper with the body. You are supposed to return the way you came, and embalming radically affects the bo dy.

“Also, cremation is forbidden,” Mandl said. “This is a major violation of Jewish law because you are destroying the body. If you have to keep the body for a few days, perhaps if a relative is coming from a distance or other extenuating circumstances, we would refrigerate.”

Wooden caskets are to be used so they deteriorate in the earth, he said. The deceased is buried in a white garment similar to a gown, and the casket is closed at the funeral, which is a sim ple service with Scripture, prayers and a eulogy.

Services are usually conducted at funeral homes, and then the people go to the cemetery.

“Traditional synagogues usually do not take the body inside the synagogue,” Mandl said.

Among Reform Jews, many of the deceased are buried in regular clothing, said Rabbi Mark Levin at Congregation Beth Torah in Kansas City. Burial generally is within two days, he said.

Following the funeral, traditional Jews would do an evening service at the home of the deceased’s family for seven days, while Reform Jews do it for one, two or three days, he said.

The location of a Reform Jewish funeral depends upon the custom of the city, Levin said. In the Kansas City area, for example, the custom is mostly to have it at a funeral home. However, ma ny of his members’ funerals are held at the temple.

Protestants

Requirements for Protestant Christian burials are few, said the Rev. J. Lowell Harrup of Northland Cathedral in Kansas City.

Although there is no required time frame, most funerals and burial are within three to four days, he said. Also, cremations are acceptable.

“There is great respect for the dead,” he said. “The body is created by God and destined for resurrection, so we see sacredness in death itself.”

People often specify what they want to be buried in, he said.

At the church, the tradition is for the funeral to recount the good of the person’s life, and a Bible-based sermon is preached.

“People need hope and encouragement that there is more to this life than right now,” Harrup said. “I want to bring comfort but also remind people that this is something we will all face, an d we need to be aware that there is an eternity beyond. I emphasize that Jesus has provided a place.”

In most African-American churches, the funeral includes prayer, Scripture, music, condolences from organizations the person was involved in, remarks from family and friends and a eulogy.

The casket usually is closed during the service and often re-opened afterward for the final viewing, but in some churches that is being discouraged because it is stressful for the family, s aid the Rev. Brenda Hayes, a pastor in St. Louis.

“The service is viewed as a celebration of the life that was lived and a victory won through faith,” she said. “The mood is upbeat, recalling the Scripture that those who die in Christ are absent from the body but now present with the Lord.

“Sometimes it is called a ‘Homegoing Celebration,’ going home to be with the Lord. The music is more about rejoicing. Prayers also are offered at the gravesite as the deceased is committed back to God.”

What used to be called a wake now is called family visitation, Hayes said.

“The wake used to be the night before, and often the body would be in the family’s house, and people would come there and everybody would be sad.”

Now, the visitation is often right before the service, and cremation is becoming more common, she said.

Sometimes it is several days to a week between the death and the funeral, especially if a lot of family members are coming from out of town.

Also, in the African-American tradition, “We dress them up,” Hayes said. “Dressy dresses or suits, hair done, makeup, jewelry, things that were the person’s favorite.”

Catholicism:

In the Catholic tradition, the deceased is buried as soon as arrangements can be made, said Deacon Ralph Wehner, director of sacred worship for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

“The church prefers that the body be present for the funeral and if the person is to be cremated, that is done after the funeral,” he said. “We require ashes to be buried in an urn, not scattered or sit on someone’s mantel.

“The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that body must be respected, and it is not respectful to scatter ashes or leave them somewhere.”

A vigil most commonly is held the night before the funeral, he said. “Vigils used to be in the funeral home but a trend is to have it at the church.

“The funeral Mass includes the reading of Scripture and prayers for the soul of the deceased and the family, prayers that express the hope and mercy of God and prayers for the saints in hea ven to assist this soul and for all who have died.”

Wehner said most people choose what they wish to be buried in.

If a person is buried in a Catholic cemetery, the ground already has been blessed. If buried in a non-Catholic cemetery, the priest would bless the gravesite. This would happen, for example , for a military person who is buried in a military cemetery.

Finally, even if the spouse is not Catholic, he or she can be buried with the Catholic spouse in a Catholic cemetery, Wehner said.

Hinduism:

In the Hindu faith, there is no burial. The bodies are burned.

In India ceremonial customs vary depending on the region, said Atul Trivedi, an area Hindu priest.

And in India, the body is burned in a special ceremony, he said. In the United States, cremation takes place at a funeral home, and the ashes are put in an urn and given to the family, if r equested.

At the ceremony before the cremation, everybody wears white, and the priest offers prayers that the soul finds peace, said Arvind Khetia, an area Hindu.

If possible, the ashes are taken to India to be spread in holy water.

“There is no burial because the soul already has moved out,” he said. “The body is a temple as long as the person is alive.”

Kelli Swazey: Life that doesn't end with death | TED Talk

Kelli Swazey: Life that doesn't end with death | TED Talk


13:44


Kelli Swazey
|
TEDMED 2013

Life that doesn't end with death














DetailsAbout the talkTranscript28 languagesComments (175)Join the conversation



In Tana Toraja, weddings and births aren't the social gatherings that knit society together. In this part of Indonesia, big, raucous funerals are at the center of social life. Anthropologist Kelli Swazey takes a look at this culture, in which the bodies of dead relatives are cared for years after they have passed away -- because relationships with loved ones don't simply end when breathing does.


This video was produced by TEDMED. TED's editors featured it among our daily selections on the home page.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER


Kelli Swazey · Anthropologist

Kelli Swazey examines how religious and spiritual practices form group identity, and play a vital role in structuring the interactions of individuals within a culture.
MORE RESOURCES
FROM THE BLOG
How different cultures honor their dead
Explore funeral traditions from around the world, from burials in hollowed-out tree trunks to bright and colorful “fantasy coffins.”