Post-Class Post Week of 9.9.09

This past class the main idea that stuck with me is "What We Do With Our Dead". It makes me wonder not only about how different rituals surrounding death effect the earth, but to what extent we need to respect these rituals regardless of the changes they cause in the earth. Soo, again all hail google, I've looked up some death and funeral rituals to see the way that different religions impact the earth using death rites.

Jewish: Upon death eyes are closed and the body is covered. Embalming, the removal or organs, and cremation are all prohibited. Contact with the earth is essential and bodies are generally buried wrapped only in linen.

Muslim: Bodies are never cremated and always buried. Bodies are draped in linens as soon after death as possible. Postmortem examinations are considered sacrilegious as they desecrate the holy body.

Orthodox Christian: Cremation is forbidden and the body must be returned to the earth. A grave is required as well as a grave liner or vault. A grave marker with the sign of the cross must be placed on the grave.

Hindu: Cremation is ideal, though children are always buried. There is a ceremony associated with cremating the body, and the closest relatives light the funeral pyre. After cremation ashes and bone fragments are usually collected and placed in a river.

Buddhist: Cremation.

So it would seem that Orthodox Jews win the prize for most "green" disposal of the deceased. Very cool.