What symbols, rituals, words and actions are used in hinduism for this rite of passage?
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The people that believe in Hinduism are called Hindus, and they believe that the soul passes through the circle of life, as we repeat our lives over and over without realizing. This is called reincarnation. They also think that the next life is dependent on how well you live in your previous life (karma).
For a Hindu, it is preferable to die at home than anywhere else. The dead body is placed at the entrance of the house, which the head facing towards the south. The body is washed, anointed with sandalwood, and wrapped in cloth. If the dead is a male, he may have to be shaven as well. It is most likely that the cremation will take place on the day of the death. Most Hindus are cremated (burned) so that the soul can leave the body quickly. The only exceptions are children and saints because their souls are clarified as pure.
The funeral is taken place as soon as possible, even within hours of the person dying. This should be within 24 hours after their death. The funeral rites include preparation of the body, cremation and spreading the ashes of the dead on water. The actual funeral are usually held by a priest and by the eldest son of the dead person, as the body is carried to the funeral by the male relatives. Then the prayers are said to the god of death, Yama or the name of the God (Ram) is chanted.
The mourners will wear white clothing, as wearing black is considered as disrespectful towards the religion. Flowers are allowed to be given but it is preferable not to bring food.
For a Hindu, it is preferable to die at home than anywhere else. The dead body is placed at the entrance of the house, which the head facing towards the south. The body is washed, anointed with sandalwood, and wrapped in cloth. If the dead is a male, he may have to be shaven as well. It is most likely that the cremation will take place on the day of the death. Most Hindus are cremated (burned) so that the soul can leave the body quickly. The only exceptions are children and saints because their souls are clarified as pure.
The funeral is taken place as soon as possible, even within hours of the person dying. This should be within 24 hours after their death. The funeral rites include preparation of the body, cremation and spreading the ashes of the dead on water. The actual funeral are usually held by a priest and by the eldest son of the dead person, as the body is carried to the funeral by the male relatives. Then the prayers are said to the god of death, Yama or the name of the God (Ram) is chanted.
The mourners will wear white clothing, as wearing black is considered as disrespectful towards the religion. Flowers are allowed to be given but it is preferable not to bring food.
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The chanted prayer, known as mantra, is said on the way to the cremation area. If the cremation took place in a country like England, the body will be taken to a crematorium to be burned but the Hindus that live in India like to have funerals at the side of the River Ganges. The River Ganges is a holy river for Hindus, as it is the trans-boundary river of India and Bangladesh.
The dead body is then put on a pyre (pile of wood) and the eldest son says some Vedic prayers, and then sets fire to the body. Incense and butter are put on to the flames. Three days later, the ashes of the dead person is sprinkled on water. As some people like to have the funerals at the side of the River Ganges, many people take the ashes to put on the waters of the Ganges.
The dead body is then put on a pyre (pile of wood) and the eldest son says some Vedic prayers, and then sets fire to the body. Incense and butter are put on to the flames. Three days later, the ashes of the dead person is sprinkled on water. As some people like to have the funerals at the side of the River Ganges, many people take the ashes to put on the waters of the Ganges.
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After the funeral, the people will still wear white as a sign of mourning. For around twelve days, the close family members may mourn. During this, they are not allowed to eat certain types of food, and cannot go to any religious activities. This is to make sure that the soul of the dead person will leave the body. Everyone will take a bath after the funeral, to purify their bodies.
On the 13th day, this service ends with a ritual of Kriya. Pinda (rice-balls) and milk is to be given to the dead to thank for the person's life. The Shraddha is also taken place, where food is given to the poor in memory of the dead.
On the 13th day, this service ends with a ritual of Kriya. Pinda (rice-balls) and milk is to be given to the dead to thank for the person's life. The Shraddha is also taken place, where food is given to the poor in memory of the dead.
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Although I mentioned some of the symbols and meanings in the above text, I would like to tell you a little more about each symbol and what they mean:
Funeral flowers- Many different funeral flowers are placed on the body to symbolize love. If a friend brings flowers, they are usually placed at the feet of the dead.
The rite of the skull- The rite of the skull is an important ceremony because it symbolizes the releasing of the soul from being trapped inside the body, as the skull is cracked. The soul will make its way up to heaven to reach its ancestors and the god of yama.
Funeral flowers- Many different funeral flowers are placed on the body to symbolize love. If a friend brings flowers, they are usually placed at the feet of the dead.
The rite of the skull- The rite of the skull is an important ceremony because it symbolizes the releasing of the soul from being trapped inside the body, as the skull is cracked. The soul will make its way up to heaven to reach its ancestors and the god of yama.