VISIONS AND RITUALS OF DEATH
For you, is death an end? A passage to a different life? Or a transformation into something new?
INDEX
Insight
Introduction
Cultural Perspectives on Death
Influences on the view of death
Religion and Beliefs (coping)
Portugal's point of view
Funeral Rituals
Fear of the Unknown
Ethical Issues: Debate
Sky Burials
Water Funerals
Questionnaire Results
Famadihana
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION OF THE THEME
Death is a universal part of life, yet it is often seen as a sensitive topic and is rarely discussed openly. The way we understand and deal with death is strongly influenced by culture, history, religion, and personal experiences. In this presentation, we will explore different cultural and religious perspectives on death, including funeral rituals, beliefs about what happens after death, and the impact of the fear of the unknown. We recognise that death is a deeply personal subject, and that there is no right or wrong way to cope with it. However, because it remains a topic often treated as taboo, we believe it is important to create space for reflection and open discussion.
Death
Truth
Death
Influences on the view of death:
Socialization: Culture functions as the primary interpretive lens. We learn from childhood to react to loss based on local customs. Beliefs: Religious or spiritual systems that define the existence of rewards, punishments, or cycles of reincarnation, directly influencing the level of fear or acceptance we have of death. Biology: The intrinsic instinct for survival in constant tension with the human cognitive capacity to be aware of one's own finitude. Technology: The digital age and continuous media exposure, which both promote the trivialization of violence and attempt to hide natural aging therefore making people scared of the inevitable.
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Portugal's Point of viewOn death
Historical evolution
Religious influence
The way Portuguese people die has changed drastically over the last century, thus changing how the Portuguese deal with it.
Traditionally in Portuguese culture, death was seen as a transition, given that Catholicism is the visible pillar of death management in Portugal.
Traditional vs Modern
Cultural influence
Currently, Portugal is experiencing a transition where we see the persistence of rituals even though there is a loss of faith and an openness to new practices.
Portuguese cultural identity is related to finitude and loss, synthesized in unique artistic and philosophical concepts.
'For Life and Death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.'
Khahil Gibran
World Map
Funeral Rituals all around the world
Sky Burials
བྱ་གཏོར
Places of Burial
This ritual is ancored in the Tibetan Buddhism, in which the belief that the soul is immortal and the body is merely its holder is strongly present in the way the ritual is performed. The offering of the flesh to the animals and natural elements is an act of compassion and generosity, which reflects the impermanence of life and the interconexion of all living beings.
World Map
Funeral Rituals all around the world
Odin & Thorin
Valhöll
Water Funerals
Nordic culture is rich in folklore, mythology and unique traditions and funerals don't lack in representation of old beliefs and rituals.
Hela
Folkvangr
The body is placed on the funeral boat and sent away on a river, then it is set on fire with a fire arrow. This is a symbolic funeral, that was reserved only to really important warriors. Then, the family and friends of the deceased threw a huge party, with lots of music, wine and joy, in which the great deeds of the dead warrior were told.
World Map
Funeral Rituals all around the world
"Famadihana" is a Malagasy funeral tradition full of life, colors and music, drawing internationl attention for its uniqueness. During this ceremony, the ancestors’ remains are brought out of the tomb, and the family celebrates by dancing with them in a lively, joyful gathering.
Famadihana
Madagascar
Insight
The way people relate to death shapes how they experience life. The unique ceremony of Famadihana reveals how the Malagasy view both death and life as precious, worthy of remembrance and celebration. For them, death is not an end but a beautiful and necessary part of life, essential to sustain its meaning.
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON DEATH
Different cultures and religions view death in different ways. In Hinduism and Buddhism, death is often seen as part of a cycle through reincarnation. In Christianity and Islam, it is viewed as a moment of judgment followed by an afterlife. In many Asian, African, and Latin American cultures, death is seen as a continuation of the bond between the living and ancestors.
Religion as a Way of Coping with Death
Religion helps people cope with death by giving it meaning, offering comfort, and explaining what happens after life. Although it does not remove the fear of death, it can make people feel more peaceful and accepting.
FEAR OF THE UNKNONWN AND ITS IMPACT ON LIFE
Fear of the unknown makes death difficult to face and often leads people to avoid thinking about it. However, it can also encourage people to value life, time, and relationships more, giving greater meaning to how we live.
DEBATE: SUICIDE AND EUTHANASIA
“Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” -John Stuart Mill
DEBATE: SUICIDE AND EUTHANASIA
“Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” -John Stuart Mill
CONCLUSIONS AND PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES
Research Sources
https://www.ordemdospsicologos.pt/ficheiros/documentos/opp_vamosfalarsobreluto.pdf https://folkfiesta.net/pt/post/famadihana-festa-spin-dead-madagascar/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famadihana https://viajarentreviagens.pt/madagascar/famadihana-antsirabe/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345481313_O_BARCO_DOS_MORTOS_UM_ESTUDO_SOBRE_O_RITO_DE_CREMACAO_DOS_VIKINGS https://folkfiesta.net/pt/post/rituais-funerarios-cultura-nordica/ https://www.nationalgeographic.pt/historia/dentro-mundo-sofisticado-funerais-viking_6655 https://guidetibet.com/why-tibetan-sky-burial-powerful-cultural-ritual/?utm_source=copilot.com https://ancientpedia.com/tibetan-sky-burials-insights-into-sacred-funerary-traditions/?utm_source=copilot.com https://windhorsetour.com/tibet-culture/tibet-sky-burial https://www.britannica.com/list/7-unique-burial-rituals-across-the-world https://www.paliar.com.br/blog/como-a-morte-e-encarada-ao-redor-do-mundo https://narrativasmag.escs.ipl.pt/issues/o-medo-da-morte/ https://exame.com/casual/o-que-as-religioes-explicam-sobre-a-morte/ https://mentalzon.com/pt/post/8681/psicanálise-religiões-e-religiosidade-diálogos-possíveis-entre-o-inconsciente-e-o-sagrado https://parquedosgirassois.com.br/morte-em-diferentes-culturas/ https://www.publico.pt/2004/02/09/jornal/costumes-antiquissimos-perduram-nos-rituais-da-morte-em-portugal-184011 https://www.iclp.letras.ulisboa.pt/2023/10/31/um-passeio-pelas-tradicoes-portuguesas-em-dia-de-todos-os-santos/ https://narrativasmag.escs.ipl.pt/issues/o-medo-da-morte/ https://www.maxwell.vrac.puc-rio.br/34467/34467_3.PDF
Noelia had a very difficult life marked by mental health struggles, family problems, and several experiences of sexual abuse and assault. After one traumatic experience, she attempted suicide by jumping from a fifth-floor building. She survived, but was left completely paraplegic from the waist down, with chronic pain and severe physical and psychological suffering. Because of this, she later requested euthanasia under Spanish law. However, her father opposed the decision, arguing that her mental health affected her ability to choose freely. This led to a long legal battle.
VISIONS AND RITUALS OF DEATH
Lara Constantino
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Transcript
VISIONS AND RITUALS OF DEATH
For you, is death an end? A passage to a different life? Or a transformation into something new?
INDEX
Insight
Introduction
Cultural Perspectives on Death
Influences on the view of death
Religion and Beliefs (coping)
Portugal's point of view
Funeral Rituals
Fear of the Unknown
Ethical Issues: Debate
Sky Burials
Water Funerals
Questionnaire Results
Famadihana
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION OF THE THEME
Death is a universal part of life, yet it is often seen as a sensitive topic and is rarely discussed openly. The way we understand and deal with death is strongly influenced by culture, history, religion, and personal experiences. In this presentation, we will explore different cultural and religious perspectives on death, including funeral rituals, beliefs about what happens after death, and the impact of the fear of the unknown. We recognise that death is a deeply personal subject, and that there is no right or wrong way to cope with it. However, because it remains a topic often treated as taboo, we believe it is important to create space for reflection and open discussion.
Death
Truth
Death
Influences on the view of death:
Socialization: Culture functions as the primary interpretive lens. We learn from childhood to react to loss based on local customs. Beliefs: Religious or spiritual systems that define the existence of rewards, punishments, or cycles of reincarnation, directly influencing the level of fear or acceptance we have of death. Biology: The intrinsic instinct for survival in constant tension with the human cognitive capacity to be aware of one's own finitude. Technology: The digital age and continuous media exposure, which both promote the trivialization of violence and attempt to hide natural aging therefore making people scared of the inevitable.
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Perspectives
On
Death
Link
Portugal's Point of viewOn death
Historical evolution
Religious influence
The way Portuguese people die has changed drastically over the last century, thus changing how the Portuguese deal with it.
Traditionally in Portuguese culture, death was seen as a transition, given that Catholicism is the visible pillar of death management in Portugal.
Traditional vs Modern
Cultural influence
Currently, Portugal is experiencing a transition where we see the persistence of rituals even though there is a loss of faith and an openness to new practices.
Portuguese cultural identity is related to finitude and loss, synthesized in unique artistic and philosophical concepts.
'For Life and Death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.'
Khahil Gibran
World Map
Funeral Rituals all around the world
Sky Burials
བྱ་གཏོར
Places of Burial
This ritual is ancored in the Tibetan Buddhism, in which the belief that the soul is immortal and the body is merely its holder is strongly present in the way the ritual is performed. The offering of the flesh to the animals and natural elements is an act of compassion and generosity, which reflects the impermanence of life and the interconexion of all living beings.
World Map
Funeral Rituals all around the world
Odin & Thorin
Valhöll
Water Funerals
Nordic culture is rich in folklore, mythology and unique traditions and funerals don't lack in representation of old beliefs and rituals.
Hela
Folkvangr
The body is placed on the funeral boat and sent away on a river, then it is set on fire with a fire arrow. This is a symbolic funeral, that was reserved only to really important warriors. Then, the family and friends of the deceased threw a huge party, with lots of music, wine and joy, in which the great deeds of the dead warrior were told.
World Map
Funeral Rituals all around the world
"Famadihana" is a Malagasy funeral tradition full of life, colors and music, drawing internationl attention for its uniqueness. During this ceremony, the ancestors’ remains are brought out of the tomb, and the family celebrates by dancing with them in a lively, joyful gathering.
Famadihana
Madagascar
Insight
The way people relate to death shapes how they experience life. The unique ceremony of Famadihana reveals how the Malagasy view both death and life as precious, worthy of remembrance and celebration. For them, death is not an end but a beautiful and necessary part of life, essential to sustain its meaning.
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON DEATH
Different cultures and religions view death in different ways. In Hinduism and Buddhism, death is often seen as part of a cycle through reincarnation. In Christianity and Islam, it is viewed as a moment of judgment followed by an afterlife. In many Asian, African, and Latin American cultures, death is seen as a continuation of the bond between the living and ancestors.
Religion as a Way of Coping with Death
Religion helps people cope with death by giving it meaning, offering comfort, and explaining what happens after life. Although it does not remove the fear of death, it can make people feel more peaceful and accepting.
FEAR OF THE UNKNONWN AND ITS IMPACT ON LIFE
Fear of the unknown makes death difficult to face and often leads people to avoid thinking about it. However, it can also encourage people to value life, time, and relationships more, giving greater meaning to how we live.
DEBATE: SUICIDE AND EUTHANASIA
“Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” -John Stuart Mill
DEBATE: SUICIDE AND EUTHANASIA
“Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” -John Stuart Mill
CONCLUSIONS AND PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES
Research Sources
https://www.ordemdospsicologos.pt/ficheiros/documentos/opp_vamosfalarsobreluto.pdf https://folkfiesta.net/pt/post/famadihana-festa-spin-dead-madagascar/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famadihana https://viajarentreviagens.pt/madagascar/famadihana-antsirabe/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345481313_O_BARCO_DOS_MORTOS_UM_ESTUDO_SOBRE_O_RITO_DE_CREMACAO_DOS_VIKINGS https://folkfiesta.net/pt/post/rituais-funerarios-cultura-nordica/ https://www.nationalgeographic.pt/historia/dentro-mundo-sofisticado-funerais-viking_6655 https://guidetibet.com/why-tibetan-sky-burial-powerful-cultural-ritual/?utm_source=copilot.com https://ancientpedia.com/tibetan-sky-burials-insights-into-sacred-funerary-traditions/?utm_source=copilot.com https://windhorsetour.com/tibet-culture/tibet-sky-burial https://www.britannica.com/list/7-unique-burial-rituals-across-the-world https://www.paliar.com.br/blog/como-a-morte-e-encarada-ao-redor-do-mundo https://narrativasmag.escs.ipl.pt/issues/o-medo-da-morte/ https://exame.com/casual/o-que-as-religioes-explicam-sobre-a-morte/ https://mentalzon.com/pt/post/8681/psicanálise-religiões-e-religiosidade-diálogos-possíveis-entre-o-inconsciente-e-o-sagrado https://parquedosgirassois.com.br/morte-em-diferentes-culturas/ https://www.publico.pt/2004/02/09/jornal/costumes-antiquissimos-perduram-nos-rituais-da-morte-em-portugal-184011 https://www.iclp.letras.ulisboa.pt/2023/10/31/um-passeio-pelas-tradicoes-portuguesas-em-dia-de-todos-os-santos/ https://narrativasmag.escs.ipl.pt/issues/o-medo-da-morte/ https://www.maxwell.vrac.puc-rio.br/34467/34467_3.PDF
Noelia had a very difficult life marked by mental health struggles, family problems, and several experiences of sexual abuse and assault. After one traumatic experience, she attempted suicide by jumping from a fifth-floor building. She survived, but was left completely paraplegic from the waist down, with chronic pain and severe physical and psychological suffering. Because of this, she later requested euthanasia under Spanish law. However, her father opposed the decision, arguing that her mental health affected her ability to choose freely. This led to a long legal battle.