Burials Extreme Customs Mary Lee: Exploring the Enigmatic World of Ancient Burial Practices

In the annals of human history, the rituals surrounding death and burial have been as diverse and intriguing as the cultures that gave birth to them. From the serene simplicity of tree burials to the elaborate grandeur of mummification, ancient civilizations have employed a vast array of customs to honor the dead and ensure their passage to the afterlife.

Burials (Extreme Customs Book 2)

by Mary Lee

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2501 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	38 pages

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In her captivating book, Burials Extreme Customs, anthropologist Mary Lee delves into the fascinating and often macabre world of burial practices across cultures. Drawing upon meticulous research and firsthand observations, she unravels the enigmatic rituals that shaped ancient societies and sheds light on the profound beliefs and fears that influenced their treatment of the dead.

Tree Burials: A Return to Nature

In the forests of Southeast Asia, the Dayak people have practiced tree burials for centuries. Upon death, the deceased is placed in a hollowed-out tree trunk and left to decompose naturally. This practice symbolizes the belief that the spirit of the departed will return to the realm of the ancestors through the roots of the tree.

Tree burials were also prevalent among Celtic tribes in Europe. According to ancient texts, the Celts believed that the sacred tree connected the worlds of the living and the dead. By placing their dead in trees, they sought to facilitate the passage of their souls into the afterlife.

Mummification: Preserving the Body for Eternity

In the arid landscapes of ancient Egypt, mummification emerged as an elaborate and highly refined art form. Driven by the belief in physical resurrection, the Egyptians employed a complex process of embalming and wrapping to preserve the bodies of their dead.

Mummification involved removing the internal organs, filling the body cavities with resins and spices, and wrapping the body in layers of linen. The entire process could take up to 70 days, with the resulting mummy intended to endure for eternity.

Mummification practices were also prevalent in other cultures, including the Paracas people of Peru and the Guanches of the Canary Islands. However, the Egyptians developed the most sophisticated and enduring tradition of mummification, showcasing their profound obsession with preserving the physical body.

Sky Burials: Feeding the Birds of Heaven

In the remote highlands of Tibet, sky burials remain a traditional practice among Tibetan Buddhists. Upon death, the body of the deceased is dismembered and left exposed on a mountaintop. Vultures and other scavenging birds are then attracted to the site, consuming the remains.

Sky burials symbolize the belief that the body is merely a temporary vessel for the soul. By offering the body to the elements and the birds of heaven, Tibetans believe they are aiding the spirit's journey to liberation.

Similar practices were observed among the Zoroastrians of ancient Persia. They believed that the body was a source of pollution and that exposure to the sun and wind would facilitate its purification and the release of the soul.

Water Burials: A Journey into the Depths

Across many cultures, water has been considered a sacred element with purifying and transformative properties. Water burials have been practiced in various forms, from simple immersion in rivers to elaborate rituals involving elaborate boats and offerings.

The Vikings of Scandinavia often buried their dead at sea, entrusting their spirits to the care of the ocean gods. In ancient Greece, water burials were reserved for those who had drowned or died at sea, as it was believed that their souls needed to be returned to the watery realm.

In certain parts of India, water burials are still practiced for individuals who have renounced their worldly possessions and embraced a life of spiritual enlightenment.

Burials Extreme Customs: A Window into Ancient Beliefs and Practices

Mary Lee's Burials Extreme Customs offers a captivating exploration of the astonishing diversity of burial practices that have shaped human history. Through vivid descriptions, firsthand accounts, and meticulous research, she unveils the profound beliefs, rituals, and fears that have influenced our treatment of the dead.

Burials Extreme Customs is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex relationship between death, culture, and the human spirit. By shedding light on the enigmatic burial practices of ancient civilizations, Mary Lee provides a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experience and the enduring fascination with the mysteries of life and death.

Burials (Extreme Customs Book 2)

by Mary Lee

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2501 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	38 pages

FREE