Essay On Death Taboos

Death, Taboo or not

“What evidence is there that death is taboo for some cultures? How is it apparent that this is the case???

The word “taboo” is derived from the Polynesian term tapu, meaning marked off (Brennan, n.d). It has long since become used to describe an activity, practice or place that is socially prohibited, beyond the standard parameters and socially accepted etiquette of a community, culture, or society.

We live knowing that eventually ourselves and those around us are going to die, death is a fact of life and unfortunately, it is a topic many are unwilling to discuss. For some people and cultures, death is a taboo or unspoken subject, regardless of the fact that it is of universal concern. Our culture and the people around

us are the ones who teach us whether death is to be embraced or feared.
This essay discusses how different cultures look at death, whether it is classed as taboo, in that it is not openly discussed or something to be celebrated. As well as two different perspectives on death from Maori and the Indian Hindu culture.
Evidence that death is taboo for some
Living in a world represented by numerous cultures and religious beliefs means that memorable events can and are celebrated differently including grieving and burial practices which are unique all around the world. What might be normal in one country may be deemed sacrilegious somewhere else.
In some Asian cultures, conversations about death are a large no no, and as a result greatly taboo, as it is believed that speaking about death will accelerate its occurrence.

Death taboos can also be found in certain tribes within American Indian culture, especially among Navajos, who favour bringing the sick into hospitals to die so that death does not pollute the family home. Navajo burial customs reflect the ancient traditions that death itself is not something to be feared. Instead, these people feared that the deceased would return to visit the living (Lovetoknow, 2015). They also believe that that when someone passes over that they go to the underworld, with certain precautions taken during the burial process to ensure they do not return to the world of the living. When death was imminent, the person was taken to a separate place until he or she died. (If a person passes away in their own home, then the dwelling is torn down and destroyed (Lovetoknow, 2015)Close family and the medicine man will stay with the dying person until close to the end, then soon before death, all except for one or two leave, with those who remain being the closest relatives of the dying person, as well as the most willing to expose themselves to evil

spirits.
Another manifestation of the death taboo can be found in the name avoidance practiced in some cultures, whereby the deceased are never again mentioned by name so as to prevent disturbing them in the afterlife. Avoidance of naming the dead in the aboriginal culture means avoiding referring to the dead person by name directly after their death as a mark of respect (this can last from a 12 months to a few years)—and also as it is thought too painful for the grieving family.
On the flipside according to Macmillan Encyclopedia of Death and Dying (Encyclopedia.com, 2015), death rituals in Africa are to ensure that the deceased is properly put to rest so his spirit is at peace and he can take his place among the protective ancestors. Rituals are as much a celebration of the role of the dead as it is mourning his passing.