When reading Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask by Anton Treuer, I found it very interesting how the Native Americans’ behavior during the traditional funerals was explained. Native American deaths are sad, but funerals are not filled with sorrow and mourning as normal American funerals are. Treuer said, ”Food, songs, prayers, and instructions on how to reach the spirit world are given to the deceased” (Treuer 64). This shows that the family and friends in attendance continue to be happy and live life throughout the process of the celebration of the dead. I feel that it is important for individuals not to completely mourn over the death of a known/loved one. Sure, it’s a discouraging moment, but death is a part of life. People should enjoy their final moments with whomever it is that died instead of being focused on the bad feeling they have due to the person no longer being around. When I die, I would prefer for the people to know me just to reflect on the good times with a smile. I don’t want anyone to cry out loud and mourn forever over my dead body because that’s not the feeling I would want them to have. I believe in actually celebrating life, and being able to move on and continue to enjoy the time left on Earth.
mkthomps June 16, 2018
I think it’s heartwarming that American Indians have such a positive view of life. Death is an inevitable, the end of life could always be a somber affair. The way to reflect on the person’s life seems to be a better way for people to cope.