Death Ceremony similarities between Tamil/Indian culture and Egyptian culture

Death Ceremony similarities between Tamil/Indian culture and Egyptian culture

In summary, there is a belief that the deceased do not cease to exist but continue their journey into the next world.

 In Tamil Nadu (India), the death ceremony includes many rituals such bathing the dead body, anointing with oil, new dress, put a coin, and put a food in the mouth.

These rituals are common all over the world. Perhaps closest similarity is Egyptian culture. Egyptian custom includes activities such as Mummification and purification rituals, dressing the mummy in fine linen and adorning with amulets, placing a coin or offering in the tomb, and the opening of the mouth ceremony.

1. General Offering to Ancestors:

• Tamil Nadu: Rituals like Tarpanam (in Tamil தர்ப்பணம்) are performed to honor ancestors and ensure their peace in the afterlife. The word "Tarpanam" means "to satisfy" or "to satiate". These rituals are performed during Amavasya/No moon or new moon. Lunar cycle from new moon to full moon to new moon symbolizes the concepts of birth, life, and death, often seen as part of a continuous cosmic cycle.
• Ancient Egypt: Offerings and prayers were made to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
• Chinese and Japanese Cultures: Similar offerings are made during festivals like the Obon (Japan) and Hungry Ghost Festival (China, appeasing a wider range of spirits).

2. Bathing and Anointing the Deceased:

• Tamil Nadu: The dead body is bathed and anointed with (sesame) oil as a purification ritual before the final rites.
• Ancient Egypt: Mummification involved washing and anointing the body with oils and resins to preserve it and prepare it for the afterlife.
• Hindu and Native American Cultures: Similar rituals involve bathing and anointing the deceased to purify them before burial or cremation, often using sacred oils and herbs.

3. Dressing the Deceased in New Clothes:

• Tamil Nadu: The dead body is worn with a new cloth. A symbolic gesture that the deceased is ready for their new life or journey.
• Ancient Egypt: Mummies were adorned with amulets wrapped (and in fine linen) for protection and to symbolize purity.
• Christian and Islamic Traditions: The deceased are dressed in clean garments, often white, symbolizing purity and readiness for the afterlife.

4. Placing a Coin on the Head:

• Tamil Nadu: A coin is placed on the head or in the hand of the deceased to provide for their journey in the afterlife.
• Ancient Egypt: Mummies were adorned with amulets wrapped (and in fine linen) for protection and to symbolize purity. The Egyptians believed that material possessions were essential for a comfortable existence in the afterlife. Kings/rich have elaborate rituals whereas poor simply dry the dead body in the desert sand. Same social hierarchy will be mirrored in the next world.
• Ancient Greece and Rome: Coins were placed in the mouth or on the eyes of the deceased as payment to Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, to transport the soul across the River Styx.
• Various European Cultures: Coins or small tokens were sometimes buried with the deceased as part of funeral rites.

5. Putting Food in the Mouth of the Deceased:

• Tamil Nadu: Food (in Tamil வாய்க்கரிசி) is placed in the mouth to prevent hunger in the afterlife. There's a belief that if the deceased is hungry in the afterlife, it could bring misfortune to the living family.
• Ancient Egypt: The "Opening of the Mouth" ceremony ensured that the deceased could eat and speak in the afterlife.
• Roman and Certain African Traditions: Food offerings are made to ensure that the deceased do not go hungry in the afterlife.