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