1. Death and its rituals around theDeath and its rituals around the
worldworld

2. Introduction
• Death is omnipresent, but is it really something we think
about?
• In North America, death is perceived as 'morbid'.
• However, all around the world, death is celebrated and
respected in many different ways.

3. Judaism and death
• The soul is sent from
heaven, housed in the
temple of the body.
• It returns to heaven after
death.
• The body is treated with
utmost respect in life, as
well as in death.

4. The Jewish Rituals
After death, the body is wrapped in a plain
shroud. It is preserved as it was upon death, no
embalming or making up and buried immediately
in a simple pine coffin.
After the funeral, the Shivah takes place. The
community takes care of the loved ones for 7 days.
They sit low to the ground, and wear a cut piece of
clothing to represent the cut between life and
death.

5. Hinduism
• Hinduism is more a set of
philosophical ideas than a
traditional 'rigid' religion.
• Reincarnation: the belief that
upon death, the soul is
transferred to another body
to lead a new life.
• Karma: meaning 'deed'.
Rewards or punishments
based on actions performed
in a past life.
Nirvana: the
ultimate goal when
a soul is freed. The
place where gods
reside.

6. Death and Hinduism
• Upon death, the body is bathed and massaged with oils,
sprayed with perfume.
• The body is then cremated, to encourage the soul to pass to a
new life.
• For 10 days, the soul watches over the family, and then passes
on to a new life.

7. Islam and Death
• Muslims are acutely aware
of the presence of death
everyday.
• Life is lived preparing for
death, and the after life.
• Upon death, the soul is
exposed to god.

8. Islamic Death Rites
The dying person is prepared for the inevitable by being
oriented towards the holy city of Mecca. The room is
perfumed, and anyone considered physically unclean
must leave. The emphasis is placed on preparing the
dying person for death, rather than on preparing the
body for burial rites.

9. Death in China
• No distinction between life
and death is made.
• The living have daily rituals
for them to communicate
with the dead, as they are
always present.
• The living pay the dead back
for all the support and love
they gave them during their
life by reciprocating, even in
death.
• If the living loved
ones don't continue
to show respect and
love for the dead, the
dead person will
become starved and
cause problems.

10. Death Rites in China
• When a person dies, the mourners will wail, and exhibit loud
expressions of their grief.
• The loved ones will wear all white clothing, to represent the
purity of the soul.
• The body of the dead person is bathed, and an outfit is picked
out for them for their journey.
• The recently deceased person is buried with money, food,
goods, and gifts so that they are well prepared for their
journey, and to ensure a rock afterlife. A soul tablet is erected,
and the soul is housed there.

11. ConclusionConclusion
Cultures and religions all have vastly differentCultures and religions all have vastly different
customs and rituals. They share similarities, as wellcustoms and rituals. They share similarities, as well
as great differences, but are all based on the sameas great differences, but are all based on the same
core beliefs.core beliefs.