Death and Dying

Death as one writer once said is like a theft in the night. Just like marriage we know that it is coming, but, we don't know when.So many of us fears death because we do not know really what lies after we die. There are so many beliefs and biases about death. To the faithful, death is not an end rather it is only a beginning.Nobody escapes death. As one signage in a cemetery gate reads"today me ,tomorrow you".

Truly, grief felt by one in view of a love ones death knows no adjectives. Maybe , maybe only, that is why it is said to be a great loss.

I , for one, is no stranger to death and dying, to this great loss. Thus , i really know how it feels , as I have been there so many times so to speak. I have strongly felt its stings,its pangs its pains and its isolation

The fear of death ,concept of the unknown has universality . Yet, cultures ,beliefs,practices, biases and even superstitions varies. In my country -the Philippines alone, regions have varied practices and superstitions .

Spouse of the departed ones are not supposed to leave the casket or the place where the wake is held. He/Shehas to stay in front ,beside .or across the casket.

Since we have chinese blood,white is our official mourning colors. Some who mourned with us came in black.Others who are already modernized come as they may.

On the ay to the internment and upon leaving the house all members of the family shall pass under the casket. This according to our olds is to drive away death so it would not come soon to the family.

After the burial, all are requested to wash their hands in a basin with concoctions of different leaves . This is also to drive the bad spirit.

Back to you my dear steemians/