The end of life, the happening of death – that is inevitable. However, honoring the final journey is a process that matters a lot. It is about saying farewell to a loved one, paying your last respects, and showing reverence to the departure of the individual. Find out how different faiths or cultures view death, dying and associated rituals, and what is done to support spiritual comfort.
In different faiths, death is defined in a different way. In Hinduism, it is said that the soul embarks on a cosmic cycle of reincarnation. It departs from one body, so that it can be born with another, just like a bird flies out of a cage and might inhabit another. A fire ritual known as antyeshti is performed by family members of that person. The body is lit on a funeral pyre to let it go back to the elements. This symbolizes the process of renewal. Afterwards, the ashes are strewn into a nearby river, to signify ultimate liberation.
It is slightly different in Buddhism, where body is left for vultures to feed on. In Tibet, this is a practice after demise. It is an act of dissolving the illusion of self and recognizing that impermanence is at the core of life.
In Islam, it is all about serene submission. After death, the soul is said to be received in barzakh, a waiting realm before judgment. A same-sex kin member is supposed to wash the body, shroud it in simple white ihram, and bury the body facing Mecca – amid collective prayers.
In Christianity, there is the promise of resurrection. Catholics use holy oils to anoint the dying person. Then, Psalms are whispered to ensure a heavenly welcome. Protestants surround the bedside, chanting hymns that echo eternal life.
Various cultures have their own traditions to observe death. Marigold-strewn altars and sugar-skull feasts are the tradition of Día de los Muertos in Mexico. It mocks the sting of death with vibrant parades. Death is seen as not a thief but a mischievous guest.
In the Shinto traditions of Japan, kami spirits are honored. Intricate paper lanterns are crafted by family members. These are used for guiding the soul across the Sanzu River. It is an act that blends quiet stoicism with ancestral whispers.
In Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib is read continuously, offering solace to the bereaved in a rhythmic manner. The Jewish people show their grief with seven days of communal stories.
The act of providing spiritual comfort is generally quite similar across cultures. Family members come together to mark the departure, and honor the departed soul. Sacred prayers or music are a part of the traditions. Prayers are held in a holy space, making it easier for the spirit to depart to the afterlife.
Professional caregivers of departed people also often play a part here, recounting the last days of the individual and joining in the prayers.
The demise of a person is a time to share the sorrows, deliver spiritual comfort and observe traditions that help to deal with a profound loss in a time-honored fashion. It is a time that brings families and dear ones together.
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