Two scholars who study death rituals explain that the corpse is considered spiritually polluting in many religious traditions, while the Moon holds a sacred place.
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Articles on Death rites
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Across cultures, death rituals give mourners a chance to grieve. But they also offer one last opportunity to help the deceased as they transition to the next stage of existence.
Ukrainian families’ anguish at not being able to bury their loved ones underscores a deep human need, an anthropologist writes.
Mei’s family run a temple to their ancestors in Toronto, depicting a rich and important tradition in Chinese culture.
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Associate Professor of Anthropology and Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
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Lecturer in Chinese Studies and Head of Chinese, Bangor University
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Professor of Comparative Religion, Miami University
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Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
