Managing death rites and mourning rituals in the modern era

This chapter analyses death and mourning practices through the lens of Brazilian funeral rituals. It assumes that death, or the fear it provokes, has given rise to various interpretations and ritualistic practices, which have changed according to the period and place of different societies. Through participant observation and oral history, this chapter has sought to trace the trajectory of death rites involving end-of-life care, funeral and burial practices, and mourning over the last four decades. The discussions presented are based on oral stories from the southern region of Brazil, highlighting their evolution of death practices in consequence of the modern era. Within this, how death preparations and performed death rituals, including the management of the body, grief and mourning, are discussed. Addressing the standardisation of funeral services, this chapter demonstrates how Brazilian death and mourning practices have begun to stray from the authentic traditions of the community and the needs of bereaved families. This chapter concludes by spotlighting the devastating effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on Brazilian funerals and mourning practices, notwithstanding the rise of virtual manifestations in an effort to reinforce the social and symbolic importance of death rituals.