Values And Beliefs Associated With Death Essay

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Values and Beliefs Associated with Death Death is an inevitable experience of life, however, the death of a loved one can be difficult to cope with. Death also has an infinite number of meanings, and the way that an individual defines death will influence the process of grieving. There are many factors that affect this process of mourning, and these factors combined, influence a person’s values on life, and the end of life. Personally, as an individual, I have specific values and beliefs associated with death that influence the way I grieve within my culture, family, and religion. The way in which a person defines death creates the bases for their beliefs on the topic. For example, there are several different definitions within different …show more content…

For example, it is extremely common in my cultural experience, for the loved ones of a family member to hold a funeral for the deceased. I am from a small town, and when a person dies, it is normal for the family of the deceased to hold a wake in the church that family attended. This is held before the part of the funeral where the body is buried. The wake allows for members of the community to say goodbyes in the presence of the deceased; people are also able to give their condolences to the family. For example, when my best friend’s grandmother passed away, her family held a wake in the Catholic church they attended. Even though I had never met my friend’s grandma, it was a socially normal concept for me to attend the service. My friend revealed to me that my presence was appreciated in letting her know that I was there to support her and her family in the difficult time they were experiencing. I believe the holding of a wake or visitation is an important aspect to provide closure to those who need it; an open service at the church also allows for the family to receive support from friends, letting them know that they are not

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