Cultural+perspectives+of+death,+grief,+and+bereavement

Clements, PT. “Cultural perspectives of death, grief, and bereavement.” Journal of Psycho social Nursing & Mental Health Services 41.7 (2003): 18-26. Web.

This article describes the death practices and rituals of four different minority group in the United States- Latinos, African Americans, Jewish and Hinduism. The one that is particularly of my interest is Hinduism. It explains that each birth on physical plane is related to previous Karmas (i.e. actions) taken in previous generations. It also describes various post-death rituals such as cremation and stresses on the fact that the body should be disposed within 24 hours of its death. Immediate cremation is necessary as it facilitates easy transition of soul from one world to the next. Moreover it states that first 13 days post death are very important. It is believed that soul releases its attachment from former life on 11th day.

This article is useful as it helps me study death perspectives of four different cultures. Every culture is unique in its approach towards post-death rituals. Hinduism is unique as it believes in Karma (actions) and one of the fewer religions where each family member is assigned specific roles in the process of coping up with death. Also, the organized activities for specific days post death such as 11th, 12th and 13th day is very interesting to learn.