Barry Cunlife - The Scythians

11
THE WAY OF DEATH
During the human life cycle, people have to face episodes of significant
change: birth, the coming of age, marriage, and death. Each represents a
span of time—a liminal period—ending when the person involved passes
from one state to another. Since liminal periods are perceived to be times of danger,
when unknown forces are unleashed, societies construct systems—rites of passage
—to contain their fears and emotions and to give reassurance by enacting familiar
rituals. If the rites are carried out according to the rules, it is believed that the wellbeing
of the individual and of society are ensured.
For most communities death, when a person is perceived to move out of the world
of the living into oblivion or some other existence, is the most traumatic change that
has to be contained through ritual. Death is seen as a process. It begins with physical
death when the spirit leaves the body and ends when the body is put finally to rest.
Many societies believe that during this period the spirit hovers near the body observing
and even taking part in human affairs. It is easily alienated but can be placated by
the proper rituals. At the burial of the body the spirit passes into the realm of the living
dead. If the burial procedures are correctly followed the spirit will be content and
will no longer interfere with the living world, but a discontented spirit will continue
to cause trouble.
These deep-seated beliefs are translated in different ways by different societies.
Usually the body is prepared and put on display. It is during this time that rites are
performed. In modern Western societies these can include mourning, candlelit vigils,
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