Funeral and Bereavement Rituals of Kota Indians and Orthodox Jews

Abstract

Two ancient subcultures, the Kota Indians and Orthodox Jews, existing in the contemporary world today, practice funeral and bereavement rituals as they did in past centuries. Although these societies differ greatly, their rituals are in close parallel. These rituals show respect for the body of the deceased, remove the defiling spirit, assure its proper arrival to the afterlife, and assist the bereaved. The expression of grief is encouraged through a prolonged and graduated bereavement period. A clearly defined emotional closure limits grief and acknowledges the continuation of life. The requirement of community involvement relieves the mourner from isolation and provides the comforters with an opportunity for anticipatory socialization.

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