Death: Life's

Greatest Mystery
By: Vina
TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 Death 03 Bereavement
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02 Dying
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Dying
Dying
I specifically chose to use more religious imagery. Personally I feel that religion plays a
major role in helping people's perceptions of understanding of dying. Over many different
religions there are these divine figures that are used as a way to guide people's “morals”.
These figures often give people a sense of comfort when it comes to dying. It gives people
a sense of purpose. These images of angles, Gods, and divine figures help people navigate
the fear that comes with not knowing the unknown. This has been something that I have
been taught at an early age. I've grown up with the privilege of being able to have my own
opinions, but my dad has always been open about his feelings about religion and he would
talk about how religion was created so people could cope with the fear of the unknown.
Though it may not be something I personally believe in I understand the importance that
these images have for people and the sense of spiritual comfort it has for billions of people
across the world.
Death
Death
The one image that I want ro highlight is the photo of the tray of tea with a kettle and
spices. When I saw this photo it immediately drew me in since I have a personal
connection with it. In middle eastern culture when someone passes away almost
immediately a funeral is planned. After the burial it's almost tradition for the person
grieving to have people over to offer their condolences. This may seem strange to other
people, others might think why would a grieving person host and have people over, but
this is just something that's normal for our culture. Usually the people grieving wont do
any work and will have their close family and friends provide things like food and tea. Tea
is also a very big symbol for death in our culture. Being that i've gone to these gatherings
and there are multiple moment where it's just silent grieving over a cup of tea. Tea almost
symbolizes peace in a way. It lets people have the opportunity to grieve in peace and not
have to fill the room with conversation. Having these visits shows the importance of
community in dark times. At a young age we are also taught to participate in charitable
acts to show a sign of support. Overall ive associated death with community to create a
space of connection in a time where often it's broken and difficult to practice.
Bereavement
Bereavement
I would like to focus on the specific photo of the boat that shows people carrying the body
on a boat with pictures of what that person loved painted on the side of the boat so their
interests and things they love follow them into the afterlife. I believe that the concept of
spirits and souls helps humans understand the concept of afterlife which is often very hard
to understand. Many different cultures have their own belief of afterlife and what comes
with it, but the one thing they have in common is this idea of peace and guidance. We
believe that if you are good in your human life then you have eternal peace for eternity and
that your soul will be at peace. This is also what I have grown up hearing, that if you're
good during your time on earth in your afterlife good will come to you and you can serve
as some sort of “guide” and “protector” for your loved ones. The idea that we will rejoin
past loved ones and ancestors helps give us this sense of community that goes further
than death. To my understanding this belief allows people to feel comforted about that
fact that they aren't immortal and take away the fear of our inevitable deaths. The afterlife
is not only something that is apart of many different religions and culturals history but also
a coping mechanisms for people.
The End!