In Health, we have been studying about Death, Dying, and the Afterlife. We have learned about some different cultural beliefs and traditions. Some of the things we have learned about are what happens when someone passes away in different cultures and what they do at the funeral. I have chosen to investigate tetanus. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can lead to death. There is no cure for tetanus but there is a vaccine which can prevent you from getting Tetanus. Tetanus is caused by coming into contact with contaminatd dirt or saliva or from puncture wounds from bites or standing on something rusty.
I can take care of my hauora when something upsetting happens by asking for help and staying close to my friends and family. Also getting advice from a doctor.
My culture is Māori. When someone passes away in my culture the body is prepared by an undertaker and dressed in formal clothing chosen by the family. The ceremony (tangi) is held on a marae but can also be held in a hall or private home. The body is welcomed onto the marae, and visitors are welcomed and given speeches (powhiri). The tangi usually lasts 3 days, this is to give people time to come to the Marae to show their respects and to mourn with the family. The body is then accompanied to the cemetery or urupa where blessings and prayers are done before the body is placed in the grave. When you leave the cemetary or Urupa hands are washed to remove tapu.
After the tangi a minister or tohunga walks through the deceased’s home to remove the tapu of death . After the burial a sharing of food brings everyone back into the world of the living.
A culture that I learned about was Buddhist. When a person passes away in this culture, relatives may donate to monks or a monastery to help the deceased’s transfer to rebirth. Then the deceased is presented with food to show that they are loved in death. After that a monastic may return to the deceased’s home to give a sermon for the family and neighbors. Then three months after the funeral, and then annually after that, survivors may hold an almsgiving on behalf of the deceased.
I was respectful when we were learning about this by being respetful to others and listening to the teacher when she was talking.
