https://www.eterneva.com/resources/cultures-that-celebrate-death

Everyone holds a place in their mind for death, either molded by fear or met with peace. All reflection is valid. However, by opening our eyes to other perspectives, we may discover that death, like life, encompasses many narratives and perhaps even unexpected beauty.

Johnson (2016) talks about how death and dying are seen as taboo, painted by society. What opinions about dying have we absorbed into our belief system? Have we researched the beauty of death in other cultures, or have we allowed funeral directors and doctors to dictate how to handle death? Some might guide us well, while others are only about the profit.

Wheeler & Petty (2001) show us how we have picked up discrimination into the idea of death.

Can we look to other cultures to find comfort and celebration in the face of death?

Archer (n.d.) believes we can find examples of cultures that celebrate death in her list.

They are:

Mexico: Dia de Los Muertos

Ghana: Fantasy Coffins

Madagascar: Famadihana

Bali: Ngaben 

New Orleans: Jazz Funeral

China: Qingming

Japan: Obon Festival

Many cultures view death as a reunion of loved ones with their ancestors; therefore, it is something to celebrate. To learn more about these customs, you can read the article at:

7 Cultures That Celebrate Death

Many cultures see death as a natural part of life. For them, it is a time to honor a life with celebration, parades, and community. Americans seem to have a fear of death and send bodies away quickly.

Diamond talks about death anxiety and how it has shaped us with a deep fear of death and the unknown. It is believed that the more one learns and empowers themselves about death through planning and understanding, the more positively prepared they will be for it.

It is okay to view death in whatever manner is comfortable for you, but have you been trained in a negative light on death, and could you learn to accept and celebrate instead of fear and hide from it?

Although death can be unexpected and scary, can we sit with it? Can we see it as a celebration of a life? Can we make room for rituals and practices of honor? Can we curate a memorial service that leaves us at peace?

By- Stephanie Daich

References:

Archer, A. (n.d.). 7 Cultures That Celebrate Death. Www.eterneva.com. https://www.eterneva.com/resources/cultures-that-celebrate-death‌

Johnson, J. (2016, December 27). Why We Need to Talk About Death and Dying. Judith Johnson. https://judithjohnson.com/2016/12/27/why-we-need-to-talk-about-death-and-dying/

Stephen Phd., Di. (2016). Got Death Anxiety? | Psychology Today.. Www.psychologytoday.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evil-deeds/201605/got-death-anxiety

Wheeler, S. C., & Petty, R. E. (2001). The effects of stereotype activation on behavior: a review of possible mechanisms. Psychological bulletin, 127(6), 797.