Ashes: Sweden
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