Preparing the Body

Chevra Kadisha—Jewish Burial SocietyCeremonial washing (taharah)Dressing in linen shroud (tachrichim)Eyes & mouth are closedBody laid on floor

Shomer—religious guardian watches over the body

Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7):18-26.Dimond, B. (2004) British J Nursing, 13(9):547-9.Loike, J, et al. (2010) J Palliat Med. 13(10):1267-71.

Preparing for Burial

Keri’ah—black ribbon pinned to lapel or cut lapels of suit

Mirrors covered, pictures turned over

Burial ASAP, preferably before sundownNo embalming or cremationNo open casketsNo elaborate caskets

Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7):18-26.Dimond, B. (2004) British J Nursing, 13(9):547-9.

Preparing for Burial

Wailing—usually done by womenTells history of deceased, from birth to deathDuring the “days of tears”Professional mourners

Gamliel, T. (2007) Social Sci Med, 65:1501–11.

Preparing for Life Apart

Se’udat havra’ah—meal of condolence

Shivah—for seven days after funeralMourners “sit shivah” on low stools or floorNo bathing or shavingNo jewelry or leather shoesNo workNo sex

Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7):18-26.

Preparing for Life Apart

Shloshim—extended mourning for 30 daysNo shaving or haircutsNo musicNo visitation of graveNo weddings or other religious celebrations

Gravestone placed at 1-year anniversary to mark official end of mourning

Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7):18-26.

WesternDepart, O Christian soul, out of this world;

In the Name of God the Father who created thee;In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed thee;

In the Name of the Holy Ghost who sanctifieth thee.May thy rest be this day in peace,

and thy dwelling place in the Paradise of God.- The Book of Common Prayer

background

Based in Christian traditionOrthodoxRoman CatholicProtestant

Modern “deritualization”

Familiarity with technology vs. unfamiliarity with death

Romanoff, BD & Terenzio, M. (1998) Death Studies. 22:697-711.

Preparing for Death

Attempt to control death—Advance Directives/Living Wills:

Manner of deathPlace of deathTime of death

Attempt to define death:Cardiac vs. brain deathECMO?LVADs?

Lobar, SL, et al. (2006) Pediatr Nursing, 32(1):44-50.

Preparing for Death

Death often promotes a resurgence of faithReligious languagePhysical reminders of God’s presenceSacrament of the Sick (Last Rites)

Preparing the body

Known as “last offices” or “laying out”

Clinical algorithm

Separates the living from the dead

Patient Body Corpse

Quested, B & T Rudge (2003) J Adv Nursing, 41(6):553–60.

Preparing for burial

Undertaker reverses the process—creates the illusion of life

Makeup Hair styling Clothing Jewelry

Preparing for burial

Average cost of an American funeral:Non-declinable basic services fee $1,817Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home $250 Embalming $628Other preparation of the body $200 Use of facilities/staff for viewing $395 Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony $450Use of a hearse $275 Use of a service car/van $125 Basic memorial printed package $125 Metal casket $2,295Vault $1,195Total Cost: $7,755

Plus cemetery fees, gravemarker, flowers & obituary

National Funeral Directors Association, http://www.nfda.org/about-funeral-service-/trends-and-statistics.html

Preparing for burial

Funeral ceremonies range from simple memorials to State funerals

Church-basedOutside church (e.g. funeral homes, private homes)

Eulogy

Liturgy

Davis, CS (2008) J Loss Trauma, 13:406-21.

Preparing for burial

“The Committal”

Blessing of the grave

“…commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust…”

Preparing for life apart

Emphasis on “closure” or “letting go”

Contrasted with tradition of ongoing connection with the deceased

NovenasAnniversary massDay of the Dead/All Saints Day

Romanoff, BD & M. Terenzio (1998) Death Studies, 22:697-711.Lobar, SL, et al. (2006) Pediatric Nursing, 32(1):44-50.Clements, PT, et al. (2003) J Psychosoc Nurs, 41(7):18-26.