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Humans have been carrying out burial ceremonies for millennia. Read this short essay to find out about ancient cultures and their burial practices.
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Introduction
Humans have long been fascinated with mortality. Studying the bones of the deceased and the methods in which bodies were dealt with has taught us a lot about life.
Dying has been understood in a variety of perspectives by diverse cultures: as a nightmare to be feared, a realisation of a lifetime purpose, as well as a final incredible adventure in this realm before leaving for the otherworld.
Prehistoric Burials
Although the earliest burials may have occurred as far back as 78 thousand years ago, Qafzeh in Israel is the earliest documented deliberate gravesite, dating back over ten thousand years.
These ancient settlers buried their deceased in caves with great care. Caskets were filled with clothing, jewellery, bread, and other things.
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Egyptians And Mesopotamians
The residents of Babylonia and Sumeria thought that the spirit of the dead travelled to the Netherworld, which was located underneath the earth’s surface. As a consequence, the departed were buried in the earth for quick entry to their future residence.
They were also interred adjacent to where they had dwelt so that their relatives might give charity such as meals and drinks to the gravesite. This was considered to please the almighty and secure a nice rebirth for the departed.
Greco-Romans
Because the Greeks thought that the soul departed the person in a single breath, it was crucial to transport the corpse to the afterlife as fast as humanly possible so that the soul could securely arrive.
The corpse was smeared with oil and covered in a cloak, with a penny put underneath the tongue to be handed to Charon, the boatman of the Styx River, the dividing line between worlds.
The Romans fulfilled customs quite similar to the Greeks, but with greater pomp and show.
Several individuals, including former slaves, became affluent due to Roman socioeconomic progress, and they commemorated their prosperity and liberty with magnificent mortuary artwork showing a packed funeral procession.
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Hindus
A Hindu cremation should be carried out as early as possible, preferably by sunset or sunrise, whatever is earliest.
The physical body, which is viewed as only a receptacle for the spirit, is given no weight. If an individual passes away, one amongst their descendants supervises the preparations of the deceased for incineration alongside the priest.
This entails anointing the person with perfumes, candles, and a trip to the Ganges River and singing chants over it. The corpse is washed, covered in a blanket, and given to be burned with presents.
Conclusion
Mortality seems to have strong symbolic importance for humans. Throughout history, burial rites have been important for almost all known cultures and societies.
In recent times, burial practices in some cultures have evolved to take environmental and health effects into consideration.
FAQs
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What is the earliest human burial we know of?
The earliest burial site found to date is in Kenya, Africa. It is said to date back to over 78,000 years.
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What is the first deliberate gravesite we know of?
Qafzeh in Israel is the earliest documented deliberate gravesite, dating back to over 10,000 years.
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What did Egyptians and Mesopotamians believe happened to the spirit after death?
The residents of Babylonia and Sumeria thought that the spirit of the dead travelled to the Netherworld, which was located underneath the earth’s surface.
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Which burial ritual was vital to the Greeks?
The Greeks smeared the corpse with oil and covered it in a cloak, with a penny put underneath the tongue to be handed to Charon, the boatman of the Styx River, the dividing line between worlds.
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When should a Hindu cremation take place, ideally?
A Hindu cremation should take place as swiftly as possible, preferably by sunset or sunrise, whatever is earliest.
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