Celebrating, not mourning provides comfory for the living - Research Paper Example

It seems time to change our cultural values whose foundation lies upon untested theories that create lengthy and distressing models which ensue in more depression rather than alleviating it. In contrast, dia de los muertos or day of the dead celebrated in Mexico is an ideal model focused on reuniting and honouring beloved ancestors, family and friends. It was believed that life is only a dream and a human being was truly awake only after his death. Thereby, death was not deemed as a mysterious and fearful ending but a realistic familiar makeup, as much a part of life as life itself.

The importance of this day can be judged from the fact that it constitutes a national holiday. Festivals are arranged to commemorate ancestors. Private altars are built decorated with sugar skulls, marigold flowers, favorite foods, beverages, possessions of the deceased. Thus, focus is placed on praying for the deceased and incurring their pleasure; the exact opposite of grief culture. So instead of blindly following mourning and grieving rituals, we should adopt a more rational approach (Rambo, 2005).

Celebration of mortality is not restricted to Mexico. Veneration and worship of ancestors is faithfully observed in many parts of the world. For instance, the Chinese believe that all bodily aspects are inherited from parents who continue to work for ones well-being until one is on a firm foothold. Therefore, it is imperative to pay homage to the deceased for their gracious deeds. They occupy the position of guardian angels for the living, protecting and steering their lives to the right path.

It is imperative enough to form a part of ‘filial piety’ which is the most important of the eight earthly duties that Chinese must perform. Crying over a situation will not make it any better; but acceptance of loss and commemorating memories is an integral part of the healing process. Fulfillment of earthly duties can lead to inner satisfaction; moreover, showing venerating the deceased would establish a feeling of closeness, as if they are watching over us. Many Catholics, Buddhists also practice ancestral rights in which they honor the memories of their ancestors usually on their death anniversaries.

In India, Hindus frame the portraits of their deceased and decorate them with marigold flowers as opposed to western culture which involves decorating graves with flowers. In addition, Hindus make prayers and seek the guidance of their ancestors which sounds more sensible than shedding tears over stony graves. Similarly, ancestors have been exalted to the position of deities in many African countries. Veneration of ancestors is a cornerstone of various religions practiced there. It can be concluded that ancestral rites is one of the most unifying characteristic of different cultures and religions from east to west (Park, 2010).

On the other hand, habits like grieving are disastrous because the real world will never change to fulfill our wishes so people stand to lose even more because of continued mourning. As we cannot handle he thought of our own non-existence so it is no surprise why we fail to come to terms with the absence of our loved ones. The risk of indulging in drugs or alcohol to let out sorrow or reinforce denial accelerates