Burial As a Social Ceremony (An Anthropological Study)

Abstract

This research is an anthropological study that seeks to present the customs and traditions of burial ceremonies in the city of Erbil. Objectives of this research: An attempt to determine the indications and rituals of funerals according to the customs and traditions of the residents of the city of Erbil, to know and show us the extent to which these traditions affected the individual’s life residing in the city of Erbil. also specifying the changes that have taken place; The emergence of new methods and new customs related to funerals, and then the presentation of the functions performed by these ceremonies. The methodology used in the study are (ethnographic method, comparative method) and the intentional sample (rich cases sample) was used. The sample unit consisted of (10) individuals from the city of Erbil. The data collection methods used are: (interview, observation and participant observation). This research reached several results, including These ceremonies show the social status of the deceased, and at the same time strengthen and enhance social relations between individuals. Until now, these ceremonies have maintained their appreciation and sobriety, although some of their customs have changed and new traditions have emerged due to social changes and the Corona epidemic, such as: bringing female Quran reciters and Mawlid readings for a certain fee. The traditions of this ceremony remained the same among the poor and middle class, but the rich class exaggerated the material costs relatively. Concerning the prayer of dropping, and so this custom is not established and is performed mostly. Also, these ceremonies have functions (cultural, social, religious and psychological).