Grief is something that we all experience at some point in our lives, but the way it is expressed varies widely depending on your culture. Every society has its own rituals and beliefs surrounding death and mourning, which help individuals cope with loss. In this blog we are going to look at the different cultural perspectives on grief, looking at how traditions around the world say goodbye to loved ones.
Cultural norms not only dictate how people should mourn but also how to support others during times of grief. Some traditions involve expressing strong emotions, while others take a more restrained approach. By taking the time to understand these cultural differences, we can gain a deeper insight into the ways that humans cope with loss.
Western Views on Grief
In Western cultures, grief is categorised into 5 stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Of course, not everyone experiences grief in this linear way, but it helps to understand and make sense of some of the emotions you experience.
Funerals tend to be very formal events in Western culture, providing an opportunity for friends and family to pay their respects. There are often religious rituals that are adhered to, along with eulogies and the presentation of flowers.
The mourning period tends to be quite short, varying from a few days to a week. Bereaved individuals are expected to return to their normal routines as soon as possible after the funeral.
African Traditions
In African cultures, death is seen as a transition, rather than a final resting place. The deceased are believed to join other ancestors, playing an active role in the lives of their descendants. African funerals tend to be more elaborate, can span several days and involve the whole community. The ceremonies not only honour the deceased but also help strengthen the community.
Grief is expressed openly in African cultures, and wailing or singing is commonly used to release emotions and show respect for the deceased. The mourning period itself can vary, but often specific colours are worn.
Asian Rituals
Asian cultures have a lot of varying beliefs surrounding death and mourning, often taking guidance from Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism. They believe in a more cyclical nature of life and death.
In Chinese culture, funerals are solemn and incorporate various rituals to honour the deceased and ensure they have a peaceful journey to the afterlife. Public displays of grief are encouraged, and families often have ancestral altars in their homes for regular moments of remembrance.
In Hinduism, cremation is favoured as this symbolises the release of the soul from the physical body. The ashes tend to be scattered in sacred rivers, to help the ashes on their way towards liberation. The mourning period specifically lasts 13 days and is marked by prayer and fasting.
Middle Eastern Practices
In Islamic culture, death is a natural part of life and mourning is guided by the acceptance of God’s will. Islamic funerals are simple and conducted quickly following death, usually within 24 hours. The body is washed, placed in white cloth and buried facing Mecca. Public displays of grief are discouraged in Islamic culture, but of course, they do understand it is natural to cry and feel sad.
The mourning period varies depending on how close you are to the deceased. For close relatives, it lasts 3 days, but a widow is expected to mourn for 4 months and 10 days.
Different cultures around the world mourn the dead in different ways. By understanding and respecting these varying perspectives on grief, we can be more inclusive and support those who are mourning.