Where do we go from here...

Introduction

You are here because you are interested in what we do with our dead.  Although few if any of us want to find out first hand what happens after we shuffle off this mortal coil, it is interesting to see our own customs and the funerary traditions of other peoples.

Some death and funeral customs are based upon where one lives and others are based upon one's belief system or religion. We can share the commonality of death by knowing about the funeral customs of our friends and associates. While the Anabaptist is not expected to sit shiva, nor is the native Bostonian expected to have his ashes sprinkled in the Ganges; knowing the customs of others will strengthen the bond between friends and allow others to avoid potentially embarrassing faux pas.

No matter what your reasons for exploring funeral rites, death customs or obsequies. This pathfinder will help you begin your journey.  The inevitability of death makes it a curiosity for most of us.  While we may not completely satisfy that curiosity we will give you a good shove to get you going in the right direction.