Spirituality and Meaning

about palliative care and the rituals around dying

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/2175-1838.14.003.DS03

Abstract

The process of dying, ordinarily, is accompanied by rituals, before, during and after death, which are related to narratives that give them meaning, such as myths. However, they are often thought of in their relation to religious traditions, as a way to mediate the encounter with the Sacred, and not always in their function of propitiating spiritual processes. This article aims to discuss the spirituality that is possible in rituals related to dying, which provide deep and re-signifying experiences. Starting from bibliographical research and with a phenomenological view in the sense of the search to capture the fundamental structures present in myths, rites, and rituals, it will be presented, initially, a general perspective about rituals and their relation with myths. Then, we will focus on the functions of myths and rituals, associating them to terminality as a way of building deep meaning and connection. From then on, the concern will be to think about the rituals around the funeral process, without the specific focus on any religious tradition, understanding their typology and meanings, both for patients and for their families and close ones. Finally, this article will briefly focus on the relationship between rituals and the spiritual needs of deep meaning of existence, love, rereading one's own life, forgiveness, establishment of a non-verbal and symbolic language, (re)organization of existence, transcendence and integration of the several human dimensions.

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Author Biography

Carlos Frederico Barboza de Souza, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais

Mestre e doutor em Ciências da Religião pela UFJF; professor do Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências da Religião da PUC Minas; autor do livro A mística do coração.

Published

2022-12-26

How to Cite

Souza, C. F. B. de. (2022). Spirituality and Meaning: about palliative care and the rituals around dying. Pistis Praxis, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.7213/2175-1838.14.003.DS03