Cultural Attitudes Towards Death

Question 1

Death acceptance

Answer 1

Views death as a natural part of the life cycle.

Question 2

Mexico

Answer 2

Celebrates and accepts death. Has the day of the dead celebrations.

Question 3

Death defiance

Answer 3

Belief that nothing need be lost, you can take it with you.

Question 4

Hmong

Answer 4

Recite from the “TusQuabke” or guide for the deceased to the spirit world ( death defying)

Question 5

Death denial

Answer 5

United States. Suggests that death is unnatural.

Question 6

American society’s denial of death

Answer 6

1. Through language
2. Detachment of families from the funeral process
3. relegate family members to nursing homes to die
4. Avoid conversations about the deceased for fear of loved ones becoming upset.

Question 7

Jewish religion and culture

Answer 7

Kavod hamet (honor the dead)
Nichum avelim (comfort mourners)
Cheura kadisha- holy society, readies body
Tachrikin- linen garment placed on body
Tahara- preparation of body

Question 8

Jewish funeral service

Answer 8

Dirt of Israel 
Official mourners
Cutting of a farmer or black ribbon 
Reading is psalms 
Eulogy
Homecoming prayer
Shivah- 7 days begins period of mourning

Question 9

African American funerals

Answer 9

Church sisters come and prepare meals
Flower girls
Nurses care for emotions 
Vocal music
Flowers
Words about the dead
Reception lines set up according to age, oldest to youngest

Question 10

Native American culture

Answer 10

Depends on particular tribes
Apache believe the deceased body as an empty shell
Dakota consider the body sacred
Navajo do not believe in afterlife
Most other Native American tribes or nations do believe in the afterlife

Question 11

Mexican American funerals

Answer 11

Muerie (death) is followed by Luto (mourning).

Strong bond in families

Question 12

Guidelines for servicing a culturally diverse population

Answer 12

1. Recognize cultural influences in own life and how they affect work
2. Acknowledge own limitations when working with culturally diverse groups.
3. Be open to learning cultural traditions and beliefs.
4. Appreciate the history and experiences of different cultural groups in the US and identify the greatest vulnerability and strength.
5. accept wide variation of grief and coping with loss.
6. Recognize that loss is a universal experience

Question 13

Three general patterns of response to death

Answer 13

Death acceptance

Death defiance

Death denial