Indian Culture Death Practices by Jordan Kolakowski https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5 en-us 2023-06-10 17:02:22 UTC 2023-06-10 17:57:39 UTC hello@padlet.com Facts Surrounding Indian Culture jordankolakowski https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619924432 The family takes precedence over individuals.

The name India is derived from the River Indus, around which the Indus Valley civilization flourished over 5,000 years ago. Native worshippers referred to the river as Sindhu. Invaders from Persia changed it to Hindu.

84% of the country identifies as Hindu, but it is also home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world.

The practice of fasting is an integral part of Hinduism. Here fasting does not necessarily mean going without food, it can be sufficient to eliminate certain types of foods and replace them with others.

cows are considered holy animals in India. It is regarded as a mother figure as we get milk from it. As per legends, Rishi Vashisth had a cow ‘Kaamdhenu’ that fulfilled all his wishes and the sage considered her a mother.

In an Indian wedding, the guests always know if it is a love marriage or an arranged marriage. Having the future partner chosen by the parents is the norm even if they are free to propose somebody they have feeling for, provided that the bride or groom belongs to the same caste.]]> 2023-06-10 17:05:28 UTC https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619924432 Why I Chose This Culture jordankolakowski https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619928942 I picked this culture because it runs in my bloodline. My great grandfather was an Indian man. I have always wanted to learn more about this culture and what it entails, especially since I never got to meet my great grandfather. Choosing this culture allows me to learn more about it while also feeling connected with him. ]]> 2023-06-10 17:20:35 UTC https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619928942 Where This Culture is Predominantly Found jordankolakowski https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619930037 In Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, many symbolic remnants of India’s influence are clearly visible in their art, culture and civilization.

Central Asia, South East Asia, China, Japan, Korea.

People from India have travelled to the U.S. in search of economic opportunities, and in so doing have brought Indian languages with them. 

]]> 2023-06-10 17:24:39 UTC https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619930037 Traditional Grief Responses jordankolakowski https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619932688 The Hindu faith centers around reincarnation. They believe that even though the physical body dies, their soul remains and continues to recycle until it settles upon its true nature. This can take many lifetimes to do so, and with each death they strive to move closer to Brahma, who is the Hindu God. 

After someone passes away, Hindus believe that the physical body no longer has a purpose, and this leads to cremation. They choose to cremate their loved ones as they believe it’s the fastest way to release the soul and help with reincarnation. Hindus are cremated locally, and most funeral directors can accommodate the traditions and rituals of a Hindu cremation.

At Hindu funerals, chants or mantras take place. There are many death rituals that are practiced including: 
  • Washing the body with ghee, honey, milk, and yogurt
  • Placing essential oils on the head of the deceased (turmeric for females, sandalwood for males)
  • Placing the palms in a position of prayer and tying the big toes together
  • Dressing the deceased’s body in smart clothes (contemporary) or wrapping it in a white sheet (traditional)
  • Placing a garland of flowers and ‘pinda’ (rice balls) around their loved ones
  • Putting a lamp near the head or sprinkling water on the body
The Hindu mourning period ranges from 10 to 30 days. During this time, families display a picture of their loved one, with a garland of flowers, somewhere in their house. Visitors are also welcome.

On the 13th day of mourning, it’s common for the grieving family to hold a ceremony (‘preta-karma’) where they perform rituals to help release the soul of the deceased for reincarnation. On the first anniversary of the death, the family host a memorial event that honors the life of their loved one.
]]> 2023-06-10 17:35:46 UTC https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619932688 How This Information Will Help Counselors jordankolakowski https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619936457 Overall, it is extremely important for counselors to understand how each and every culture mourns the loss of a loved one. Just because one culture has certain rituals or practices surrounding death does not mean that a different culture will be the same.

Considering that Hinduism and Indian culture is quite widespread, it is important to consider we will most likely work with a client who is from this background. Knowing that they have rituals that are important to them will help guide our therapeutic relationship and, if need be, help them in their mourning process. 

Each culture has its own beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life and what happens after death. This informs how people in those cultures approach death. For example, people may find death more bearable if they believe in a life after death. Knowing this will help guide sessions.

Being aware ahead of time of how different cultures mourn and grieve allows counselors to be culturally sensitive and have preparation. This lessens insensitivities that may accidentally arise otherwise. ]]> 2023-06-10 17:51:48 UTC https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619936457 References jordankolakowski https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619937752 Understanding grief within a cultural context. Cancer.Net. (2019, May 13). https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/managing-emotions/grief-and-loss/understanding-grief-within-cultural-context#:~:text=Each%20culture%20has%20its%20own%20beliefs%20about%20the%20meaning%20and,in%20a%20life%20after%20death. 

Hindu funeral rites and Death rituals. Funeral Partners. (2020, May 15). https://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/types-of-funerals/hindu-funeral-rites-and-death-rituals/?_its=JTdCJTIydmlkJTIyJTNBJTIyNWY0YmYyOWQtNjRhZS00MjFmLWJjM2EtOGM3OGNlYzhiYWY3JTIyJTJDJTIyc3RhdGUlMjIlM0ElMjJybHR%2BMTY4NjQxNzk3NH5sYW5kfjJfNjg5NjNfc2VvXzZjOTkzMmJlODk5NGFkYTgwMWYzNmZjOTI5ODAxODQ0JTIyJTJDJTIyc2l0ZUlkJTIyJTNBMTA3MDYlN0Q%3D#

Simigh, A. (2021, November 3). The 10 most surprising facts about Indian culture. Medium. https://farewellalarms.com/the-10-most-surprising-facts-about-indian-culture-a48e6c2baa04 ]]> 2023-06-10 17:57:31 UTC https://padlet.com/jordankolakowski/4z4si8jj7aqjqqy5/wish/2619937752