Death and GriefHSP3C

Anthropology Anthropology:

Study of humankind from past societies to present (where we are now)

Important to understand how death is understoodBy us and other cultures

Cultural Differences Culture:

United set of values, ideas, beliefs and standards of behaviour (way of living) shared by a group of people

Each culture is unique!

Learning and understanding other cultures helps us understand one another better

Death Death

End of physical life Body stops operating (working)

Many different ways that cultures handle death Traditions passed on from previous

(older) generations

“Handling” the Deceased (dead)

Two usual rituals (procedure/way) of disposing the body of a deceased: Cremation Interment

CremationConcept from Christianity Burning dead body at very high heat

Wait until there is very little left “break” into ashes Stored in an urn (vase) and buried or kept with

family members

Interment The act of burying a deceased person

(someone who has passed away) Tomb in ground

Other PracticesSky Burial

Placing body on a high ground (e.g. mountain) and leaving it for the birds

Birds of prey: Tibet tradition Believed carried souls to heaven E.g. Vultures

Other PracticesMummification (Ancient times)

Remove all moisture from body Body does not decay

Funeral Customs Most common custom among funeral customs

Graves grouped together on a plot of land called cemetery or graveyard

Newer Customs Ecological Burial:

Deep freezing body Allows the body to be buried with corn starch Coffin and contents will become soil

Space Burial Rocket launches cremated remains into space

Forms of “Death” Capital Punishment: killing of convicted

(found guilty) criminal by the state for crimes committed (done)

War: a long state of violence between two or more groups

Martyrdom: a person is put to death based on his/her beliefs

The Cycle of Loss and Grief

HSP3C

MourningTime when an individual (or group) responds to

the death of a valued being (animal or human)

Mourning is experienced by all people throughout their life!

MourningDifferent lengths of time is spent dealing with

the grief and loss

5 stages of Grief Do not always occur in order Move between stages before being peaceful over

the loss

STAGE 1Denial and Isolation

Deny (refuses to admit) the reality (truth) of the situation

Block out the truth to avoid pain (temporary relief)

STAGE 2ANGER

Reality and pain comes out in the open Emotions come out as anger Show anger towards objects, strangers,

friends/family, doctors

STAGE 3Bargaining

Could’ve, Should’ve, Would’ve Normal feelings of thinking how things would be

different

If I went to the doctor earlier…he could’ve… If only we listened to him…he would’ve… I should’ve said no….

STAGE 4Depression

Practical Depression: grief comes from worrying about the loss (how to pay for funeral, losing time with others)

Private Depression: less noticeable; you do it on your own; get ready to say “goodbye”

STAGE 5Acceptance

Withdrawal and calm – not a period of happiness, but understanding what happened

NOT HAPPY NOT DEPRESSION