A ritual, by its nature is a set of common actions – performed in a common circumstance. Intrinsic in the shared actions are a recognition that they are carried out due to a shared experience. They serve as a recognition and response of communal experience. Thomas Long observes that attempting to fully personalise the elements …
The prevalent nature of handling dead bodies and conducting funerals in the west is not to handle them at all, nor to view them. Those who view dead bodies observe that they look different. Funerals used to centre on the respectful treatment of a dead body. Part of that focus is the loving respect people …
The prevalent nature of handling dead bodies and conducting funerals in the west is not to handle them at all, nor to view them. Those who view dead bodies observe that they look different. The departure of life brings that change. For those of Christian belief the soul has departed. It is good to remember …
Thomas Lynch is the co-author of The Good Funeral with Thomas G. Long. Lynch is the Undertaker, Long the Pastor, each bringing their own perspectives on funerals, as well as informing each other through their friendship and partnership in good funerals. Lynch observes that funeral practice in the USA (and much of the western world) …
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