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Bible Christianity/Religion Culture Death My Family Social The World

Death Masks, Caskets and Cremation

Statue of Patrician With Death MasksThe first time I ever saw a “death mask” was at a junior youth camp in southern California where, after the youngsters were in bed, some of the the faculty were having a bit of fun. A person would stretch out on a table, and some kind of preparation was applied to the “candidate’s” face, which material was then allowed to dry and to harden. I believe holes were poked in the nose and mouth area, so that the youth camp worker would continue breathing–a desirable trait, seeing this was a “death mask” demonstration in fun only.
I began thinking of such a subject earlier today, when I read an extremely captivating and informative article about 10 exotic burial places. My interest was piqued to such degree that this actually became the basis for my devotional today.
Credit for Clipart and more material about Roman burials here.
My study about this subject today prompts me to ask how you feel about burial methods? Would you consider being cremated? Why? Why not? Do you know of any scripture that would preclude such a burial? Does it bother you to consider being buried under the earth? Is a mausoleum more to your liking?…or does it matter at all? What about casket style and expense? My feeling is that I really don’t personally care, for I don’t believe I will know a thing about it. It’s okay with me that my family’s thoughts should be the determining factor for my funeral.
I really don’t care about seeing casket stores in strip malls, though. Although I acknowledge there to be nothing wrong with the idea, and I’ve heard you can get caskets cheaper there than at funeral homes, it’s just a bit disconcerting to see them. Get Your Bargain Casket Here!
This is an interesting chart–a little outdated, but you can check the state where you live and see the percentage of people who choose to be cremated. In my personal experience it seems to me that more people are choosing cremation than ever before. Has the fact that funeral expenses have been so exorbitantly priced caused this trend?

Map of US Cremation Rates

Don’t worry. I’m feeling quite healthy…just found all this interesting today!

Edit: There may be some “spooky” spirits lurking here. Something–or someone– has changed my font style, and I absolutely cannot get the paragraphs right. When I view the post on my screen it looks perfect. (Halloween may be early!) Another thing. I’ve posted tags twice and they always are stripped out. I’ll try again now. Hope it’s not contagious…else all WordPress will shudder.

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My devotional blog is here.