picturepeople #33

Head In The Sand

There is no concern about preserving the body and so embalming is not common. However, dismemberment and mutilation outside the natural deterioration of the body is taboo.
It is important to ensure that the burial of the person takes place in their native homeland, so that they may join their ancestors, and so that they may also inhabit the land to which their loved ones will also return.
There is great respect for the body. Warm clothes may be used for burial and watertight caskets are used to keep the elements out.
Stoic attitudes are common, and depression may result from the internalization of grief.
Many mourn by dressing in white as a sign of resurrection and celebrate with music and hope.
Grief at death is often expressed with the physical manifestation of great emotion.
Survivors may believe in the concept of the “living dead”. This concept refers to people who have died but whose spirits live in the memories and thoughts of those still living.
A wake is held at the home of the deceased every night from the time of the death to the time of the burial. At the wake, they chat, eat, drink, and share jokes.
Many survivors commemorate the loss of their loved ones with promises or commitments.
Money gifts to help cover the expense of the funeral and burial are not unusual.
High dependence upon a funeral director and/or person of the clergy in preparations for mourning and burial.
Traditionally, dark clothing tends to be worn during ceremonial services; although this trend has shifted in recent years to a more color-based wardrobe focused on creating an atmosphere of celebration and hope.