1. Death and Superstitions in the UK 1

2. Death 2

3. Approaching death Sometimes the possibility of death is a taboo subject, but it can help the dying person and their family if approaching death is acknowledged. 3

4. Where should care be given? Home Hospital Hospice Unexpected death e.g. accidents, violence are more difficult for families. 4

5. Death in China 1.Is death ‘taboo’ in China, or is it something that people can talk about easily? 2.In China, how are people who are ill and are dying cared for? 5

6. Registering the death The death must be registered at a Registrar’s Office. A doctor must say what the cause of death was. The death certificate is needed before the funeral can be arranged or the estate is sorted out. 6

7. Arranging the funeral: burial or cremation? 7

8. Burial or cremation? Burial is now less common because of changing attitudes and lack of space for graves: 75% of people in the UK are now cremated. After cremation, the family have to decide where to inter the ashes: graveyard, garden, at sea or in the countryside. Burials are more expensive because of the cost of land and of a gravestone, and the coffin is usually more expensive. A few people now choose a green burial, in the countryside, without a headstone. 8

9. Burial in China 1.What is the most common form of burial in China? 2.Is cremation common? 3.Where are most people buried? 9

10. Who can help? Undertakers take care of the body and provide the coffin Clergy can help in the planning of the funeral 10

11. The funeral: purpose To mourn To remember To celebrate and thank God To ask God to receive the soul of the departed To support friends and family 11

12. The funeral service Traditional prayers, hymns and readings may be used but secular poems and music may be used. There may be a sermon or a eulogy. Sometimes people plan their funeral in advance. People will usually wear black or another dark colour. Family and friends may arrange for flowers to be brought to the funeral. Some are placed on the coffin. Sometimes the funeral will be private, followed by a memorial service. 12

13. After the funeral Usually friends and family are invited to meet and share some food, perhaps sandwiches and tea. Sometimes a wake is held and alcohol is drunk. 13

14. The Will Some people write a will, saying what they want to happen to their money and possessions. People usually leave most of their property, money and possessions to family members. Sometimes people ask for some or all of their money to be given to charity. 14

15. Dying intestate (with no Will) If the deceased has a husband or wife, all or part of their estate will to go to him or her and the rest to the children of the marriage. It can be more complicated, even unfair, if the deceased was separated, divorced or never married. In 2009 56% of adults had not made a will. 15

16. Superstitions 16

17. Superstitions Superstitions are found in every culture. They are beliefs that originated in magic or religion, which don’t seem to have a reasonable basis nowadays. Here are some English superstitions: can you guess the origins? You shouldn’t walk under a ladder. A broken mirror brings bad luck. Horse-shoes and four-leaf clovers are symbols of good luck. 17

18. Superstitions – cont’d You shouldn’t follow a black cat, although black cats are sometimes considered lucky. Thirteen is an unlucky number; Friday 13th is regarded as an unlucky day Don’t open an umbrella indoors. You should say “bless you” when someone sneezes. If you spill salt, you should throw it over your shoulder. 18

19. Superstitions in China What numbers are considered ‘lucky’? Why? What numbers are considered ‘unlucky’? Why? Are there any superstitions you follow before a wedding – eg placing red squares of paper on manholes? Why? Are there other common things that are considered ‘lucky’ or ‘unlucky’? 19