Death and culture
Death is dealt with differently in cultures around the world, and there are ethical issues relating to death, such as martyrdom, suicide and euthanasia. Death refers to the permanent termination of life-sustaining processes in an organism, i.e. when all biological systems of a human being cease to operate. Death and its spiritual ramifications are debated in every manner all over the world. Most civilizations dispose of their dead with rituals developed through spiritual traditions.
Disposal of remains
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In most cultures, after the last offices have been performed and before the onset of significant decay, relations or friends arrange for ritual disposition of the body, either by destruction, or by preservation, or in a secondary use. In the US, this frequently means either cremation or interment in a tomb.
There are various methods of destroying human remains, depending on religious or spiritual beliefs, and upon practical necessity. Cremation is a very old and quite common custom.
Since ancient times, in some cultures efforts have been made to slow, or largely stop the body's decay processes before burial, as in
Recently changes in culture and technology have led to new options. A late 20th century alternative is an
In some nations whole body donations have been encouraged by medical schools to be used in medical education and similar training, and in research. In the United States, these gifts, along with organ donations, are governed by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. In addition to wishing to benefit others, individuals might choose to donate their bodies to avoid the cost of funeral arrangements; however, willed body programs often encourage families to make alternative arrangements for burial if the body is not accepted.
Grief and mourning
Grief is a multi-faceted response to loss. Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, it also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social and philosophical dimensions. Common to human experience is the death of a loved one, be they friend, family, or other. While the terms are often used interchangeably, bereavement often refers to the state of loss, and grief to the reaction to loss. Response to loss is varied and researchers have moved away from conventional views of grief (that is, that people move through an orderly and predictable series of responses to loss) to one that considers the wide variety of responses that are influenced by personality, family, culture, and spiritual and religious beliefs and practices.
Bereavement, while a normal part of life for most people, carries a degree of risk when limited support is available. Severe reactions to loss may carry over into familial relations and cause trauma for children, spouses and any other family members. Issues of personal faith and beliefs may also face challenge, as bereaved persons reassess personal definitions in the face of great pain. While many who grieve are able to work through their loss independently, accessing additional support from bereavement professionals may promote the process of healing. Individual counseling, professional support groups or educational classes, and peer-lead support groups are primary resources available to the bereaved. In some regions local hospice agencies may be an important first contact for those seeking bereavement support.
Mourning is the process of and practices surrounding death related grief. The word is also used to describe a cultural complex of behaviours in which the bereaved participate or are expected to participate. Customs vary between different cultures and evolve over time, though many core behaviors remain constant. Wearing dark, sombre clothes is one practice followed in many countries, though other forms of dress are also seen. Those most affected by the loss of a loved one often observe a period of grieving, marked by withdrawal from social events and quiet, respectful behavior. People may also follow certain religious traditions for such occasions.
Mourning may also apply to the death of, or anniversary of the passing of, an important individual like a local leader, monarch, religious figure etc. State mourning may occur on such an occasion. In recent years some traditions have given way to less strict practices, though many customs and traditions continue to be followed.
It's a courtesy, that when a person passes away; all those friends and relatives "who loved him" must definitely make it to his funeral and stand by the grieved family at such a critical phase of bereavement. In contrast, when a person is alive it's left up to him to invite those friends and relatives "whom he loves" in case of any celebration or events. So there goes the difference of social conscience when one exists and after s/he ceases.
Animal loss
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Animal loss is the loss of a pet or a non-human animal to which one has become emotionally bonded. Though sometimes trivialized by those who have not experienced it themselves, it can be an intense loss, depending on how close one was to the animal.
Legal aspects
Settlement of legal entity
Aside from the physical disposition of the corpse, the
In
Capital punishment
Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is the killing of a convicted criminal by the state as punishment for crimes known as capital crimes or capital offences. Historically, the execution of criminals and political opponents was used by nearly all societies—both to punish crime and to suppress
In most places that practice capital punishment today, the death penalty is reserved as punishment for premeditated murder,
There are five countries that still execute child offenders. Iran accounts for two-thirds of the global total of such executions, and currently has roughly 120 people on death row for crimes committed as juveniles (up from 71 in 2007).[6][7]
Capital punishment is a very contentious issue. Supporters of capital punishment argue that it deters crime, prevents recidivism, and is an appropriate form of punishment for the crime of murder. Opponents of capital punishment argue that it does not deter criminals more than life imprisonment, violates human rights, leads to executions of some who are wrongfully convicted, and discriminates against minorities and the poor. It seems that both sides make their proper points in supporting one of those decisions, but a compromise can not be reached.
Warfare
War is a prolonged state of violent, large scale conflict involving two or more groups of people. When and how war originated is a highly controversial topic. Some think war has existed as long as humans, while others believe it began only about 5000 years ago with the rise of the first states; afterward war "spread to peaceful hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists."[8]
Often opposing leaders or governing bodies get other people to fight for them, even if those fighting have no vested interest in the issues fought over. In time it became practical for some people to have warfare as their sole occupation, either as a member of a military force or mercenary. The original cause of war is not always known. Wars may be prosecuted simultaneously in one or more different
The factors leading to war are often complicated and due to a range of issues. Where disputes arise over issues such as
and a peaceable resolution is not sought, fails, or is thwarted, war often results.A war may begin following an official
When members of public services die, especially soldiers, their next of kin are usually given a death notification.
Military suicide and suicide attacks
A suicide attack occurs when an individual or group violently sacrifice their own lives for the benefit of their side, their beliefs or out of fear of being captured. In the desperate final days of World War II, many Japanese pilots volunteered for
However, suicide has been fairly common in warfare throughout history. Soldiers and civilians committed suicide to avoid capture and slavery (including the wave of German and Japanese suicides in the last days of World War II). Commanders committed suicide rather than accept defeat. Spies and officers have committed suicide to avoid revealing secrets under interrogation and/or torture. Behaviour that could be seen as suicidal occurred often in battle. Japanese
Martyrdom
A martyr is a person who is put to death or endures suffering for their beliefs, principles or ideology. The death of a martyr or the value attributed to it is called martyrdom. In different belief systems, the criteria for being considered a martyr are different. In the Christian context, a martyr is an innocent person who, without seeking death, is murdered or put to death for his or her religious faith or convictions. An example is the persecution of
Islam views a martyr as a man or woman who dies while conducting
Beginning in the early 1990s, martyrdom gained prominence in Palestinian society and culture. Groups such as Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad view martyrdom as a supreme form of dedication to the Palestinian cause, a perspective that has led to acts of terror, including suicide bombings.[11][12] This ideology is reflected in various societal elements such as educational materials, media, community events, and ceremonies. It has also played a role in shaping the upbringing and psychological well-being of children, influencing their perceptions from a young age.[13][14]
Though often religious in nature, martyrdom can be applied to a
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one's own life. The term "suicide" can also be used as a noun to refer to a person who has killed himself or herself.
Views on suicide have been influenced by cultural views on existential themes such as
The predominant view of modern medicine is that suicide is a
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the practice of terminating the life of a person or animal in a painless or minimally painful way in order to prevent suffering or other undesired conditions in life. This may be voluntary or involuntary, and carried out with or without a physician. In a medical environment, it is normally carried out by oral, intravenous or intramuscular drug administration.
Laws around the world vary greatly with regard to euthanasia and are subject to change as people's values shift and better palliative care or treatments become available. It is legal in some nations, while in others it may be criminalized. Due to the gravity of the issue, strict restrictions and proceedings are enforced regardless of legal status. Euthanasia is a controversial issue because of conflicting moral feelings both within a person's own beliefs and between different cultures, ethnicities, religions and other groups. The subject is explored by the mass media, authors, film makers and philosophers, and is the source of ongoing debate and emotion.
The Western cultural perspective on euthanasia is anchored in the principles of individual autonomy, liberty, and dignity. This value of empowerment to the individual is deeply embedded into the Western culture and reflects a cultural disposition that values self-determination. From an anthropological standpoint, this perspective emerges from a historical narrative that elevates human rationality as a guide for ethical decision making. The endorsement of individualism and human reason during the Enlightenment era left a profound impact on Western culture with its advocation of these values, influencing how personal agency is perceived in matters of life and death (Zafirovski, 2011).
In Western societies, discussions concerning euthanasia often centre around the relief of patients from unendurable pain and suffering. Advocates of euthanasia emphasize an individual’s ability to exert control over the timing and circumstances of their passing, aligning with the concept of a dignified death. However, a deeper analysis reveals that this Western cultural perspective may not fully encompass the intricate interplay of family dynamics, social pressures, and communal values that influence an individual’s end of life decision making (Mwaria, 1997). Family relationships, deeply ingrained in cultural norms of care and support, can introduce complexities into the decision-making process surrounding euthanasia. Additionally, the influence of cultural expectations and societal norms can create tensions between the pursuit of personal autonomy and the recognition of broader social responsibilities.
Few Eastern countries currently allow for euthanasia in any form, however modern-day arguments advocate for the legalization and support of euthanasia in many nations. Active euthanasia is prohibited by all Eastern countries, whereas passive euthanasia is legal and regulated in Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the UAE. In Japan, there is a distinction between active and passive euthanasia. Active euthanasia is still ruled illegal, whereas passive euthanasia is legal and embraced as “Songenshi” or “death with dignity as the withholding or withdrawing of life-prolonging treatment.” (Kumar, 2023) The Japanese point of view on suicide is not sinful, but rather the act of assisted suicide being considered as a murder-for-hire thus leading to the prohibition of active euthanasia. India allows for patients to choose passive euthanasia should they wish to, having the right to “request that the treatment be stopped or withdrawn once it has started” (Kumar, 2023). There is a clear distinction between suicide and euthanasia in India, as suicide is the direct intention of taking the life of the self as opposed to stopping life-extending treatment. In countries where euthanasia is not supported, religious factors are often cited. For example, Indonesia (a largely Muslim nation) does not support euthanasia due to cultural and social norms and values, thus it is illegal.
Christian perspectives regarding Euthanasia can serve as a guide for the broader opinions of those in the West. Lloyd Steffen (Cholbi, 2017) writes on such directives and perspectives of the church, summarising that ‘in general Christians oppose active Euthanasia and assisted suicide’ (Cholbi, 2017) due to core values held within the faith and ‘long-standing’ morals and ways of thinking (Cholbi, 2017), but also that within Christianity there exists complexity and varying opinions on the topic and discusses the philosophical and ethical considerations in the Christian outlook. Although not necessarily representative of the population’s individual opinions, these values have influenced the greater morals and laws of the West and are still prominent to this day.
Death's finality and the relative lack of firm scientific understanding of its processes for most of human history have led to many different traditions and cultural rituals for dealing with death and remembrance. Some superstitions include: If you don't hold your breath while going by a graveyard, you will not be buried; a bird in the house is a sign of a death; and many more. A widely held custom is shutting the eyes of the deceased. In some cultures, the deceased's house was destroyed or burned; in other cultures, the doors and windows were left open to cleanse the house (and allow the spirit to escape.)[17]
Animal Euthanasia
Animal Euthanasia is a very common practice and generally considered ‘merciful’. The Suicide in Veterinary Professionals study (Ogden, et al., 2012), found that tolerance to animal Euthanasia showed no correlation to tolerance for human Euthanasia or the ending of human life (Ogden, et al., 2012). There is a stark difference in opinions regarding Euthanasia in humans versus animals, and that to most the two topics don’t even exist within the same paradigm.
Sacrifices
Philosophy, religion and mythology
Faith in some form of
Many cultures have incorporated a god of death into their mythology or religion. As death, along with birth, is among the major parts of human life, deities representing these events or passages may often be the most important deities of a religion. In some religions with a single powerful deity as the object of worship, the
In polytheistic religions or mythologies, it is common to have a deity who is assigned the function of presiding over death. The inclusion of such a "departmental" deity of death in a religion's pantheon is not necessarily the same as the glorification of death. The latter is commonly condemned by the use of the term "death-worship" in modern political rhetoric. In the theology of monotheistic religions, the one god governs both life and death. However, in practice there are many different rituals and traditions for acknowledging death, which vary according to a number of factors, including geography, politics, traditions and the influence of other religions.
In the Jewish religion, a simple wooden coffin is discouraged; flowers in or around the coffin are not allowed. A natural burial (without a coffin) is a normality today in Israel.[19]
How a person decides to die is among the most personal choices any human being will ever make. Some terminally ill patients will wish for the healthcare system to expend every available dollar on prolonging their lives, all the way to the point of imminent
medical futility. Others will forgo heroic and extreme measures, preferring to let nature take its course. A third group of individuals—and I am among these—would like to survive only until we can no longer communicate meaningfully and lucidly with our loved ones; then, we want our healthcare providers to terminate our lives with as much speed and as little pain as possible. In an enlightened society, each of these wishes would be honored.[20]
Personification of death
Death has been personified as a figure or fictional character in mythology and popular culture since the earliest days of storytelling. Because the reality of death has had a substantial influence on the human psyche and the development of civilization as a whole, the personification of Death as a living, sentient entity is a concept that has existed in many societies since before the beginning of
Examples of death personified are:
- Mexican tradition holds the goddess or folk saint called Santa Muerte as the personification of death.[21]
- In modern-day European-based folklore, Death is known as the "Grim Reaper" or "The grim spectre of death". This form typically wields a scythe, and is sometimes portrayed riding a white horse.
- In the Middle Ages, Death was imagined as a decaying or mummified human corpse, later becoming the familiar skeleton in a robe.
- Death is sometimes portrayed in fiction and Qur'an).
- Father Time is sometimes said to be Death.
- A psychopomp is a spirit, deity, or other being whose task is to conduct the souls of the recently dead into the afterlife, as in Greek, Roman and other cultures.
Numerical symbolism in East Asia
In mainland China and Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, the number 4 is often associated with death because the sound of the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean words for four and death are similar (for example, the sound sì in Chinese is the
Glorification of and fascination with death
Whether because of its poetic nature, the great mystery it presents, or both, many cultures glorify death as well as crime, martyrdom, revenge, suicide, war, and many other forms of violence involving death. Each of these categories represents larger meanings than simply the cessation of life, and it is usually these meanings which may be glorified.[
In modern times, death and these related constructs have been glorified despite attempts to depict them without glory. For example, film critic
The most prevalent and permanent form of death's glorification is through artistic expression. For example, songs such as "
The perception of glory in death is subjective and can differ wildly from one member of a group to another.[
See also
References
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- ^ Iranian activists fight child executions, Ali Akbar Dareini, Associated Press, September 17, 2008; accessed September 22, 2008. Archived September 25, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Iran rapped over child executions", Pam O'Toole, BBC, June 27, 2007; accessed September 22, 2008.
- ^ Otterbein, Keith, 2004, How War Began. Texas A&M University Press.
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- ^ "Concerns about Islamic Extremism on the Rise in Middle East". www.pewglobal.org/. Pew Research Center. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ Hatina, M. (2005). Theology and power in the Middle East: Palestinian martyrdom in a comparative perspective. Journal of Political Ideologies, 10(3), 241–267. doi:10.1080/13569310500244289
- ^ Meir Litvak (2010) “Martyrdom is Life”: Jihad and Martyrdom in the Ideology of Hamas, Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 33:8, 716-734, DOI: 10.1080/1057610X.2010.494170
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- ^ Daphne Burdman (2003) Education, indoctrination, and incitement: Palestinian children on their way to martyrdom, Terrorism and Political Violence, 15:1, 96-123, DOI: 10.1080/09546550312331292977
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- ^ "How can suicide be prevented?". 2005-09-09. Retrieved 2007-04-13.
- ^ "Death & Burial Customs". about.com. Archived from the original on 2007-11-02. Retrieved 2006-09-18.
- ^ "Bakra Eid: The cost of sacrifice". asiancorrespondent.com. Archived from the original on 2016-05-07. Retrieved 2016-04-19.
- ^ Mitford, Jessica. The American Way of Death Revisited. New York: Vintage Books. p. 141.
- ^ Appel, Jacob.The Ultimate Prescription: Make Us Decide How We Want To Die, July 30, 2009.
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- ^ Ebert, Roger. "Platoon Movie Review & Film Summary (1986) | Roger Ebert". www.rogerebert.com. Retrieved 2018-09-28.
- ^ "Thanatopolis, Alternative Artist-Created Memorial Park/Space, Call for Works, Deadline July 12". I-Park Foundation, Inc. July 2010. Archived from the original on 2013-02-07.
External links
- Media related to Cultural aspects of death at Wikimedia Commons