Attitudes about death

Attitudes about Death : 1 Attitudes about Death Some Vocabulary to mourn, to grieve to bury, to cremate, a funeral pyre burial, cremation a funeral, ritual, funeral rites a coffin, a tomb a graveyard a wake Death may be considered either as the end of existence or as a transition to another state of being or consciousness. What do you think people feel in your own culture? What is your own attitude? Typical British church graveyard

Attitudes about Death - Euphemisms : 2 Attitudes about Death - Euphemisms passed away passed on gone to a better place deceased departed kicked the bucket pushing up daisies resting in peace no longer with us gone to the big …. in the sky The Dead Parrot from Monty Python. ‘He's passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! He’s expired and gone to meet his maker! He’s a stiff! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed him to the perch he'd be pushing up the daisies.’ There are many, many euphemisms for death and dying in English. 1. Why do some people use these words to avoid talking directly about death? 2. Are there euphemisms like this in your language? What is a euphemism?

Attitudes about Death – Celebrations and Festivals : 3 Attitudes about Death – Celebrations and Festivals Mexico In Mexico, the Days of the Dead (día de los muertos) celebration on the first and second of November marks the return of dead spirits. Offerings are made to the deceased, and people visit grave sites, sitting on them in a celebration of life. Others set up altars at home, decorating them in flowers. Places are set at the table for dead loved ones, and special pumpkin bread and bread of the dead (pan de muerto) is cooked. The country fills with bones and skulls, ranging from candy to skeletons dressed for specific professions. Children run through the streets shouting. Calaveras (skulls) are filled with candy or money.

Attitudes about Death – Celebrations and Festivals : 4 Attitudes about Death – Celebrations and Festivals Japan Many people believe that all their ancestors' souls visit their houses during "obon" days, which start on 13 August in most areas of Japan. People prepare simple altars for the dead and offer meals three times a day and put fruit and flowers in front of the altars. They visit the family grave, firstly to bring their ancestors' souls back to their houses, and, secondly to see them off. People go home and feast all night, ending with rituals. Paper boats and lanterns are put in water carrying away the souls of the departed.

Attitudes about Death - Funerals : 5 Attitudes about Death - Funerals Sowah "Holala" Nortey's body is prepared for a wake as men carry his Mercedes coffin outside to make more room for visitors. The wake lasted for three days with meals, music, singing, and poetry to celebrate his life. Death – a time to grieve or a time to celebrate? Our Attitudes about death affect the way that funerals and other rituals are held. 1. What do you think people in your country feel about the funeral? Is it a time to be sad or to celebrate the life of the dead person? 2. Tell us about funerals in your country. Some Vocabulary to mourn, to grieve to bury, to cremate, a funeral pyre burial, cremation a funeral, ritual, funeral rites a coffin, a tomb a graveyard a wake

Attitudes about Death : 6 Attitudes about Death Funeral pyre, Bali Coffins, Ghana Military funeral, America Biker’s funeral, UK

Attitudes about Death – Your own funeral : 7 Attitudes about Death – Your own funeral I am not religious. I don’t want a religious funeral. I have already told my family about my funeral wishes! I would like an eco-funeral. My coffin should be environmentally-friendly, perhaps made of wicker (like a basket).I want to be buried in a green or woodland burial site with a tree planted instead of a memorial. I want a humanist ceremony with no mention of God or an afterlife. I would like people to have a meal together after the funeral and I want music to be played – I have written a list of some music I would prefer! Wicker coffin Woodland burial ground This is one person’s ideas for their own funeral. Do you think it’s a good idea to leave instructions for your funeral?

Attitudes about Death – Your own funeral : 8 Attitudes about Death – Your own funeral Top Ten Funeral Songs in UK 2002 Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston The Best - Tina Turner Angels - Robbie Williams You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry And The Pacemakers Candle In The Wind - Elton John Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon And Garfunkel Time To Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman Do you think these are suitable songs for a funeral? What music would you like played at your funeral?

Attitudes about Death - Quotes : 9 Attitudes about Death - Quotes I'm not afraid to die, I just don't want to be there when it happens. Woody Allen Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes Benjamin Franklin The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone. Harriet Beecher Stowe We are afraid to live, but scared to die Inderpal Bahra  When you are born, you cry, and the world rejoices. When you die, you rejoice, and the world cries. Tibetan Buddhist saying A man's dying is more the survivors' affair than his own. Thomas Mann The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. Mark Twain

Attitudes about Death – Teachers’ Notes : 10 Attitudes about Death – Teachers’ Notes Clearly this is a difficult topic for some students. Please make sure that you have posted the topic for your group class in advance. You might also want to remind them about the topic right at the beginning of the class in case anyone wants to leave.