Diversity in Dying

Preface

I apologize for the last few weeks’ delay in posting. Lately, I have experienced the sad circumstance that I’m sure many of you have been faced with; the ageing and illness of a loved one. Observing the slow fade of someone you have known your whole life is a unique cruelty, unlike any other challenge that life has to offer. Last week, I prepared a post titled “The Privilege of Ageing,” which was about the social, economic, and healthcare-related factors that afford some societies to have a much longer life expectancy than others. I may post this in the future. However, while reading the final product I found that the subject matter and tone of that post felt callous in the face of my own anticipatory grief, and towards anyone else who has experienced this kind of grief before. 

Also, I find that this kind of comparison tends to make many people wary of joining in on discussions about global development challenges and injustices. Although there are times when it is important to recognize privilege, dying and grief are two things that are universal and certainly not privileges. Further, although the typical circumstances that lead to death vary around the world and expose privilege, we are all human. And as humans, we are all painfully, heartbreakingly mortal. 

Every culture has its own way of mourning, celebrating life, and seeing loved ones move on to whichever afterlife they believe in. This week, amid my search for an answer to what comes after life, I wanted to explore a few different approaches to death around the world. Although this may come across as morbid, and absolutely does not alleviate much grief, I have found a strange sense of comfort in knowing that death can be accompanied by new beginnings, mourning can bring hope, and loss can be comforted with solidarity. So, bear with me. 

Trigger warning: this post will explore cultural responses to death and dying, traditions surrounding death, and speculations about what awaits us after life. If these ideas cause you stress, I don’t recommend reading further.

Western Concepts of Dying

Before comparing international approaches to death, I looked a little more closely at the perspective on death that I am most familiar with. In the western part of the world, I’m sure most of us have experienced the somewhat cold and somber atmosphere of traditional funerals and visitations in our society. Much of this revolves around the concept of “death anxiety.” All people and cultures fear death to some degree, death anxiety is heavily influenced by religion and cultural beliefs. Unsurprisingly, death anxiety seems to be most severe in Western culture. Hence, the cold and somber feelings surrounding death. 

Since as I am not a particularly religious or spiritual person, I have no real guesses as to what lies beyond life. So, I am not one to say that fearing death (or the unknown) is irrational. However, other cultures across the world have very different perspectives and practices when it comes to death. These perspectives can also alleviate some death anxiety which I find extremely interesting. Further, due to the inevitability of death, I can appreciate warmer approaches to dying for my own sake, and to choose to believe that something good awaits loved ones in my life and yours. 

Celebrations of Life in Ghana

In Ghana, funerals are an opportunity for friends and family to both mourn and simultaneously celebrate the life of someone who has passed. Funeral events consist of food, music, drinks, and dance, and are a celebration attended by many to signify the charismatic, social, and charitable person who is being celebrated. Funerals likely cost between $15,000 – $20,000 to provide refreshments, an extravagant party atmosphere. Coffins are also an expensive and lavish statement in Ghanaian culture. Custom-made coffins to represent the important parts of the deceased’s life such as favourite things or profession.

Although there is time to cry and mourn the loss of a loved one, the majority of the ritual is for partying. Billboards are posted before the funeral event to ensure everyone in the area knows of the upcoming celebration, and no expense is spared. This kind of funeral is directed more at celebrating life, drinking, laughing, and knowing that wherever the deceased may be, they are happy. 

The images below contain coffins for Ghanaian funerals in the shapes of an airplane, Coca-Cola bottle, and a shoe:

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Hindu Culture

Hinduism, the third largest religion worldwide that originated in India, has a more spiritual approach to death and dying. The Hindu faith includes reincarnation; the belief that when someone dies, the soul is reborn in a different form. This belief separates the death of a physical body and focuses on the remaining soul that cycles through various lives and continuously moves closer to Brahma, the Hindu God. Further, the kind of reincarnation depends on someone’s actions in their previous life. Due to the importance of the soul over the physical body, Hindus practice cremation following death. Cremation is seen as the quickest way to release the soul and help with their loved one’s reincarnation into the next life. 

Hindu funerals consists of traditional washing, dressing, and positioning of the body before cremation. Mourners dressed in white recite prayers as the casket is carried to the crematorium, and ashes are then scattered over a sacred body of water or place of significant importance to the deceased.

Death in Ireland

Death in Irish culture is less spiritual and more celebratory. Irish wake formalities include dressing the body, surrounding the deceased with candles, and time for friends and neighbours to express sympathy. Then, the rest of the wake consists of eating food, drinking, sharing stories, and men smoking tobacco to ward off evil spirits. Although the belief system in Irish funeral culture is alike other Christian funerals, there is more emphasis on celebrating the life of the deceased rather than mourning loss.

Along with smoking tobacco near the body to ward off evil spirits, other superstitions are traditionally practiced at an Irish wake. These include stopping the clocks at the time of death to prevent bad luck and show respect for the deceased, covering mirrors to ensure the spirit does not get trapped inside the house, and opening the windows so the spirit can leave freely. Although the modern Irish funeral is not as traditional as in the past, they remain well-known for the humour-filled, lively atmosphere to honour the life of a loved one who has passed. 

Diversity in Dying

Once again, although the subject matter of this post is a bit darker than my usual content, I have been determined to find the beauty and solidarity in how different cultures cope with death and dying. Although I don’t believe the saying “death is a part of life” to be of any comfort or reassurance in a time of mourning, knowing that all people across the world find ways to cope and support each other through times of loss is something that good can be found within.

Whether you prioritize lavish celebrations of life, mourning in silence and solitude, lively gatherings, or ancient superstitions, you are not alone. Lastly, the thought of what lies beyond life can be frightening as we witness loved ones reach the end of their lifetime. As I said, I am not a particularly religious person, but I am confident that if whatever lies ahead is even half as wonderful and good as what my loved ones (and yours) deserve, then I think things will be alright.