Rolynda, Nishelle, Jared, and Alyssa

Celtic/Druid Anciently  There are 1,300 stone circles (or megalithic rings) in England.  Stonehenge, the most famous, represented the “domain of the dead”  Only a select few were buried at Stonehenge over the centuries, 240 people in all.

Celtic during the Advent of Christianity  The circular design around the cross is unique to Celtic tradition.  Explanations of the meaning and origin of the encircled cross vary by folk group.  The scrollwork carved into the stone is traditional Celtic Knot iconography.

Modern Celtic/Druid  An emphasis on the interconnectivity of all living things.  The circle is a prominent emblem, from the way the congregation stands, the scattering of the ashes if the deceased was cremated, to the Druidic recitations.

Chinese  Confucian principle of filial piety  Lack of respect for youth  Cost of funeral

Chinese  Symbols of colors in relation to funeral White/Black Red/pink

Chinese  Duration of Funeral  49 Days  Dynamitic

Egyptian Mummification  Embalming: 70 day process  Removal of Organs  Drying of Body  Return of Organs  Wrapping Process Canopic Jars: Held removed organs for a time.

“Opening of the Mouth”  Rubs oils over mouth, eyes, and nose while chanting  Performed by Priest in Jackal mask: Anibus, God of Death

Funeral Procession  Lead by Priest  Dragged by ox on land, and carried by boat on water  Loved ones followed wailing and mourning  Friends or servants of deceased carried treasured belongings: Food and Water Furniture and Clothing Memorabilia and Valued Objects  Sarcophagus placed in tomb  Celebration of Life Party

Hindu  a fire ritual (homa) is performed to bless nine brass kumbhas (water pots) and one clay pot to clean the body.  Men move the body and cover with cloth  Children sing hymns  Women offer rice for the journey through Yama’s realm  The closest male relative passes oil and offers flowers

Cremation  only men go to the site  infants are buried  The closest male relative lights the pyre  12 hours after cremation the males sprinkle holy water and gather the ashes and deposit them in Ganges or a river or ocean with garlands and flowers

Ritual Impurity  During the preparations up to a year the family will not attend temple, marriage arrangements, visits, etc  Cloth covers mirrors and pictures are turned in  Hindu do not suppress mourning but do not condone consistent sadness for they believe the spirit is aware of the families emotional state and negative emotions hold it to the earth.  On an odd day after cremation the family gathers for a feast of the dead’s favorite foods and offers portions to their photo and ceremoniously left at the abandoned seat.