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Early Hebrew Funeral Practices. Death Beliefs. basar (flesh) nefesh (breath) Sheol 150 BC. Readings Question #1. Describe how the early Hebrews prepared their dead. What was the preferred method of disposition and when did it take place? Why?. Readings Question #2.
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Death Beliefs • basar (flesh) • nefesh (breath) • Sheol • 150 BC
Readings Question #1 • Describe how the early Hebrews prepared their dead. What was the preferred method of disposition and when did it take place? Why?
Readings Question #2 • What were the mourning customs for the early Hebrews?
Place of Burial • Tombs: simple, unadorned • Graves: single chamber (recess graves) sunken grave (stone cover) bench grave trench grave
Death Beliefs • Soul: spiritual and immortal • Resurrection • Cremation • “Equality” in Death • Death as “Sleep” • Primitive Burial Customs
Readings Question #3 • What were the requirements laid down by early canon law for burial of the dead?
Readings Question #4 • Among the early Christians, who took charge of caring for the dead? What was done when death occurred?
Other Christian Funeral Customs • Early Christians had a tendency to take over the burial practices that were performed in the countries in which Christianity was becoming established. • washing and anointing • The Wake • Requiem Mass and Holy Communion
Readings Question #5 • Describe the early Christian funeral procession and the interment service.
Early Christian Cemeteries • catacombs: originated in ancient Rome as excavated cemeteries cut out of soft rock for the tombs of wealthy Christians; later became a place for religious rites to avoid persecution”
“The Little Vatican” Catacomb • 9 popes and 8 dignitaries of Rome’s 3rd century church
“Cubicle of the Sacraments” Catacomb • 5 small chambers (family tombs) with 3rd century frescoes depicting the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist
Readings Question #6 • Describe what influence the 4th century Christian church had on Christian burial practices.
Funeral Functionaries • brethren of the dead and clergy • Constantine: state assumed responsibility • Burial parties • After the 4th century, funeral service became part of the wider operation of an urban-type society.
Readings Question #7 • What were two important themes surrounding cremation in the Ancient Scandinavian tradition? • “Stone Ships”
Readings Question #8 • Describe the Scandinavian practice of ship burial during the Viking Age in Norway.
Mound Burial • “ancient Viking custom; after deceased was placed in his boat with items necessary for the spirit to maintain the position held on earth, all was cremated and the pyre then covered with earth”