Category Archives: Cultural Perspectives

The Matsigenka and the “Were-Jaguars” of Peru

For this Amazonian people, death can bring supernatural transformation
Posted on January 10, 2021 by Betsy Arant (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

People of all cultures and in all regions of the world have fears about death. Some fears stem from concepts of heaven and hell or karmic retribution, while many center on the mystery of the afterlife. For the Matsigenka people … Continue reading →

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Living Funerals, or Seizenso, Are Gaining Popularity

Individuals in Japan, South Korea and beyond are holding funerals while still alive
Posted on September 13, 2020 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Some celebrities in Japan have been holding a “seizenso,” which translates to a “funeral while alive” — motivating everyday citizens to do the same. More recently, the practice of living funerals has spread to South Korea, the U.S., Europe and … Continue reading →

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Tibetan Buddhist Death Practices To Help Loved Ones

Practitioners aim to help friends and family die peacefully and obtain a positive rebirth
Posted on February 9, 2020 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

We all lose loved ones, and may be unsure how to help them through the dying process. Fortunately for Tibetan Buddhists and others looking to draw from their tradition, there are set practices to help loved ones experience death without … Continue reading →

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An Imam Talks About Muslim Traditions Around Death

Osama Bin-Mahfouz is the manager of the Islamic Center of Southern California and director of its funeral home
Posted on December 22, 2019 by Ellary Allis (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Though Muslim traditions around death can vary from region to region, Sharia (Islamic religious law) calls for a fairly specific set of rites: burial of the body as soon as possible, preceded by bathing and prayer. When a Muslim is … Continue reading →

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The Memorial T-Shirts of Inner-City America

"Rest in Peace" shirts memorialize young people who have died
Posted on October 22, 2019 by Lucas Morgan (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Some people might think that wearing a T-shirt to a funeral or memorial service would be disrespectful. However in many urban areas throughout the United States, memorial T-shirts are a popular way to pay tribute to loved ones who have … Continue reading →

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Grieving at The Temple at Burning Man

Each year at Burning Man, mourners gather at a temporary, non-denominational temple to say their goodbyes
Posted on September 24, 2019 by Ellary Allis (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Black Rock City Black Rock City exists for just a few short weeks every year before it’s torn down and all evidence of its presence on a dusty lake bed called the Playa is erased. It’s constructed anew each August … Continue reading →

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