Death & Burial: A Rite of Passage Facilitator : Iya Folami Oyaayode Abioye : Death & Burial: A Rite of Passage Facilitator : Iya Folami Oyaayode Abioye Unit One : Session Three
Learning Circle Objectives : Learning Circle Objectives Check in .. Reconnect
Review of Session Two
Assignment from last learning circle
Examine and discuss the various of Burial Rites
Sources: The Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria ,Yoruba Beliefs and Sacrificial Rites
Is this the end?… time flies.. : Is this the end?… time flies.. Sharing : Discuss your views of grief through a cultural context (in your way, a paper, poem, PowerPoint)
Discussion : Session Two : Discussion : Session Two What is the importance of cultural context as it defines or redefines death for ourselves and for our families?
How do you view death differently, have you seen as shift, as your cultural context has evolved?
What are the ways we ritualize for ourselves during the death of a loved one?
As an Egungun priest(ess) you may find yourself in the position of helping others deal with grief. It is important to understand how you deal with grief. How do you deal with grief ? (beyond the clinical stages)?
Death and Burial Rites : Death and Burial Rites Death marks the beginning of an individuals final rite of passage.
The end of life is as important as the beginning of life in many African cultures.
Various ritual are done to ensure that the spirit is given proper passage into the heavens.
African Worldview and Burial Rites : African Worldview and Burial Rites
African Worldview : Burial Rites : African Worldview : Burial Rites “ Whenever a human being comes to life, he/she is endowed with the spirit and the soul in addition to the physical body. When the physical body dies , the spirit and that immaterial essence called the soul does not die.” The Yoruba view death not as an extinction , but as change from one life to another.”
Factors that dictate Burial Rites : Factors that dictate Burial Rites Traditional Society Age
Community Role or Status
Parental Status
Religious /Spiritual Practice Contemporary society
African Worldview and Death : African Worldview and Death “The Dead are not dead.”
All peoples use their culture and history as a filter for understanding the particular phases of life, from Birth – Death. Your cultural worldview informs the following:
How people are mourned
How people are buried
How funeral rites are performed
What happens after the burial
Preparation Rituals : Preparation Rituals Treatment of Corpse
Cleansing
Preparation
Adornment
African Worldview and Burial Rites : African Worldview and Burial Rites Preparation and location of final resting place
Understanding traditional burial
Integrating traditional rituals in contemporary burials
Relationship between the living and the dead : Relationship between the living and the dead “They are the guardians of the family affairs, traditions, ethics, and activities.” Because of this we Venerate our ancestors and do not worship them. The Yoruba believe that life continues even after the physical death of a relative. As such they seek to venerate and remain in constant contact with their deceased relatives, particularly those who lived in good character while on earth.
The relationship …Worship or Veneration : The relationship …Worship or Veneration Worship Adoration , reverence reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage or to any object regarded as sacred
Veneration –Highest degree of respect and reverence a feeling or sentiment edited by the dignity and respect wisdom and goodness of a person or by the sacredness of his/ her character
How do we help a potential client/ alejo understand the difference.?
Relationship with Venerated Ancestors : Relationship with Venerated Ancestors The death of a living being is the birth of ancestral energy or being.
Just as we prepare for birth of a living being the “new “ life of ancestral energy must be prepared for as well.
Rituals following burial : Rituals following burial 9 day observation/ celebration
40 day observation/ celebration
1Year observation/celebration and ebo
Relationship and Veneration of the Ancestors : Relationship and Veneration of the Ancestors Naming of children
Care and erection of shrines at gravesites
Shrines at the home of descendants
Celebrations and family gatherings in the name of the ancestors
Creation of Ancestral Agan
Egun Jo ati Egun Nsoro
For further Discussion Reflection : For further Discussion Reflection What is the process for dealing with deceased in our family line?
What are the various divisions of labor among family? ( traditionally )
What are various egbe responsibilities?(traditionally)
What are the actual phases of the funeral ceremony? (What is the one exception)?
What are the requirements for being a venerated ancestor?
What factors influence the way a corpse is treated or prepared?
What do you believe about the hereafter? What informs your particular believe?
How would you help someone engage or deal with their own developing view of the hereafter?
What is the difference ancestor worship and ancestor veneration?
.
Assignment:
When a spirit decides to take human form and descend to aiye, this begins the spiritual journey through several stages that continue unto death. Describe those stages.
What’s Next : What’s Next COMING ATTRACTIONS
Unit Two : Tracing Your Roots
Featuring Oyesina Ogunmola
Slide 19 : May the Ancestors and Yeye Mi Oya .Continue to bless , keep , guide, and protect you always.
Blessings always, Oyaayode