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Ashes: Sweden

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Author

Editor

  • Davies Douglas J
  • Mates Lewis H

Summary, in English

The article presents results from an investigation made in southern Sweden in 2001. Ten relatives of people whose remains were scattered were interviewed about the circumstances of the scattering. The forms for scattering the ashes varied depending on the locality. In several cases relatives scattered the ashes alone or together, and in some cases funeral directors and a minister did it. Reciting poems, singing hymns or traditional songs are not uncommon. Overall, the ceremony was a positive experience for the relatives, and it was seen as a terminal point of a long process. Several of the relatives also recognized the scattering of ashes as an option for the disposal of their own bodies after death. It is suggested that the scattering of ashes can be seen as a post-modern way of relating to rites of death.

Publishing year

2005

Language

English

Pages

60-64

Publication/Series

Encyclopedia of Cremation

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

Ashgate

Topic

  • Philosophy, Ethics and Religion

Keywords

  • Cremation
  • scattering of ashes
  • attitudes death

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 0754637735