No matter where we are in the lifespan, loss, death and dying are difficult expe

Question

No matter where we are in the lifespan, loss, death and dying are difficult experiences. Cultures vary as to how they process and experience these events. Share an Internet resource that describes another culture’s approach to death, dying, mourning, grief or bereavement. Please share how they may experience this with respect to one of the following: death of a child (natural causes or accident), death of a spouse, terminal illness in a child or adult, or the elderly. Please cite your resource(s).

Explanation / Answer

Cultural differences in dealing with DEATH

Culture and views can shape a person's view and their reaction towards death. These differences arise since there is a difference in perspectives and in releasing how trauma is perceived along with the expression of feelings.

Terminal illness in a child or adult or the elderly.

- Jewish perspective : autopsies are not allowed. Even looking at a corpse is considered inappropriate. Funerals are not allowed on any religious days or on the Sabbath day. Newborns may be allotted names after the deceased and mourning lasts for a year. In Islam, death is an action of god and has been already decided by god itself. A special ceremony is held and the relatives are buried in a cemetery. Funeral is only led by a Muslim practioner.

Death of a child (natural causes or accident)

Death of a child is one of the more painful of the life phenomena. For some cultures where male children are considered more important than females, such as in Hinduism. There used to be a tradition of FEMA,e genocide earlier where superstitions persisted. And some seeds of those still survive. Hence, a female child's death is slightly more acceptable in such families. Whereas, in cultures where such distinctions did not have such strong roots, death of a child is highly grieved. Some may except is as the will of God and that it was the fate of the child.

Death of a spouse

For cultures where Husbands are considered next to god, such as Islam and Hinduism, the women succumb themselves to a living that is devoid of all luxuries and keep them in places closed within the bounds of their houses. In these cultures women are considered bad omen who have brought upon death on their husbands. In cultures where such prejudices do not exist, women move forward with their life.

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