Burial and cremation come with some pretty major environmental problems. Both involve huge amounts of energy, resources and pollution.
Articles on Death rites
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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.
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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Professor of Comparative Religion, Miami University
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Lecturer in Chinese Studies and Head of Chinese, Bangor University
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Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Honorary Professor of Accounting, University of Wollongong
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Professor of Accounting, University of Sydney
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Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross