Anthropologist Sees Papal Death Rites in New Light

Mortuary rituals of Ancient Egypt are compared to those surrounding the death of Pope John Paul II and his predecessor, John Paul I. Kim Stacey, writer and anthropologist, takes a closer look at the power of a well-crafted ritual from the past and present, to identify similarities and differences.

Boulder Creek, CA (PRWEB) April 8, 2005 -- What makes a good funeral for a social and religious leader? How does the ritual and mortuary preparation of the deceased serve the greater good? These are the questions asked in this cross-cultural and cross-temporal presentation.

The preparation and burial of Pope John Paul II is compared to that process initiated by the death of a Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. What is done to the body before interment, and the process of social affirmation in death are both crucial elements to the re-integration of the social fabric and the continuity of the society.

The relationship of the common person to a deity or quasi-deity such as a Pharaoh, or the Pontiff, is a complex one. Bounded by affection, awe and reverence, the relationship warrants particular attention at critical times, such as illness or death of the holy one". After all, the relationship must continue long after their death. This is done by strong, tradition-bound ritual, and significant mourning period and anniversary rites.

The Vatican-orchestrated rituals we have witnessed during the past week, as well as the rites and processes of the Ancient Egyptians, connect us, here in the 21st century, to humans throughout history. Death is the great leveler" -- it is one experience we all will encounter. We can glimpse our own death, and treasure the experience, through the participation in rituals for others.

What does this mean to the reader? Certainly, its a powerful exercise in academic reductionism: take the emotion out of the ritual, and youre left with form" and function". When it comes time to design your own funeral or memorial rites, or those of a loved one, the reader has a finer awareness of the myriad forms of ritual -- and a keener sense of the function. Essentially, it is to allow for separation, and reintegration, of the relationship with the deceased.

About The Author
Kim is formally trained as a socio-cultural anthropologist, having received her post-graduate degree in 1983. She is published both online and offline, most recently in American Funeral Director magazine.

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