Reflection
When doing this project I found out about different religions':
Although the four religions have different beliefs about God or the Divine, some of their rituals and rites are very similar. The dead body is treated with great respect and much care is given to prepare it before the funeral. The funeral may happen in different places and may happen immediately after death or about a week's time, but prayers are always said for the dead person.
Some religions allow cremation but others say the body should be left whole. However, again prayers are said when the body or the ashes are buried or scattered.
There is always a time for mourning and a time for friends to show support for the family. Sympathy for the dead persons family is emphasized by all religions. This sympathy may be shown in a variety of ways - giving cards, flowers, making food - but all involve respect and care for the family. There is also time at a later date to remember the dead person.
I believe different religious traditions ritualise this rite of passage because they are following the teachings in their holy books, they are showing respect and sympathy for the dead person and their family and they are praying for the dead person to be with God or the Divine in the afterlife. The whole process honours the dead person, celebrates their life and gives time for people to mourn their passing, both immediately and at a later date. Having religious beliefs helps a dying person to prepare for death and brings hope to the mourners.
- Beliefs about death
- Rituals about how to take care of the dead body
- Funeral rites
- Burial rites
- Time of mourning and showing sympathy for the dead person's family
Although the four religions have different beliefs about God or the Divine, some of their rituals and rites are very similar. The dead body is treated with great respect and much care is given to prepare it before the funeral. The funeral may happen in different places and may happen immediately after death or about a week's time, but prayers are always said for the dead person.
Some religions allow cremation but others say the body should be left whole. However, again prayers are said when the body or the ashes are buried or scattered.
There is always a time for mourning and a time for friends to show support for the family. Sympathy for the dead persons family is emphasized by all religions. This sympathy may be shown in a variety of ways - giving cards, flowers, making food - but all involve respect and care for the family. There is also time at a later date to remember the dead person.
I believe different religious traditions ritualise this rite of passage because they are following the teachings in their holy books, they are showing respect and sympathy for the dead person and their family and they are praying for the dead person to be with God or the Divine in the afterlife. The whole process honours the dead person, celebrates their life and gives time for people to mourn their passing, both immediately and at a later date. Having religious beliefs helps a dying person to prepare for death and brings hope to the mourners.