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First the Wealth Gap, Now the U.S. Has a Growing Health Gap: Discover why the U.S. health gap is growing and how improving healthspan can enhance quality of life for Americans -
How to Comfort A Dying Loved One: End-of-life expert Dr. Marianne Matzo explains some simple ways to offer solace -
Our Annual Seven Holiday Gifts for Someone Who Is Grieving, 2024 Edition: Gracious gifts that spread love and beauty
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Categories
Tag Archives: Tradition
The Evolution of After-Tears Parties in South Africa
More young people are bucking tradition and mourning loved ones in their own way
Traditions aren’t static. They constantly warp and evolve with every new generation. This is especially true in South Africa, as younger generations living in urban areas have adopted a brand new burial tradition: after-tears parties. An after-tears party is a time … Continue reading
Kifudu Funeral Dance of the Giriama People
This African dance brings communities together to send spirits of loved ones to ancestral realms
The Giriama are an agricultural and hunter-gatherer sub-group of the larger Mijikenda ethnic group who live along the coast of Kenya. One of the distinguishing features of their cultural and spiritual life — and a main reason why they were able … Continue reading
Preserving the Totem Poles of the Northwest
Clans indigenous to the Northwest Coast saw totem pole carving as a crucial end-of-life tradition
Their beautiful, intricate designs have made totem poles an icon of the Northwest Coast. Way before they graced the sides of planes and backs of tourism brochures, however, totem poles played an important role in the region’s indigenous end-of-life tradition. … Continue reading
Traditional Inheritance and Burial Rites of the Maasai People
Traditional practices of ‘The Father’s Chest’ and Predator Burials in Maasai culture
For the Maasai people, death does not traditionally hold any secrets of the afterlife. Once an individual has passed, their journey has ended. All of their possessions and any of their sins are transferred to the loved ones who survive … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Perspectives
Tagged African death rituals, Cattle, Death, Death Rituals, Funeral Rites, Inheritance, Kenya, Maasai, Maasai people, Ngai, predator burial, Tanzania, the father's chest, Tradition
6 Comments
A Look at Japanese Funeral Practices
Cultural Traditions in a Country with Almost 100% Cremation Rate
Japan has the highest cremation rate in the world, over 99%, with some local governments even banning burials. Until after World War II, cremation was reserved for the rich, but once the cleanliness and efficiency of the practice were recognized, … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Perspectives
Tagged Burial, Cremation, Culture, Family, Funeral, Japan, Tradition
12 Comments
Remembering Life through Light
A look at this touching Jewish tradition
Hanukkah came to an end last night, marking the conclusion of eight consecutive nights of lighting candles. This is done in order to commemorate the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem. While you’re probably familiar with this Jewish celebration, … Continue reading
Posted in Cultural Perspectives
Tagged Death, Hanukkah, Judaism, Memorial, Tradition, Yahrzeit Candles
1 Comment
