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Death: But It's Tradition

Author
Carrie Smith & Emma Skipp
Published
Fri 05 Sep 2025
Episode Link
https://its-a-death-sentence.com

In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we unravel the evolution of death rituals, spotlighting how the Black Death reshaped mourning practices centuries ago. From Tibetan sky burials to Irish wakes, Maori tangihanga, Jewish Shiva, and Viking send-offs, we explore how diverse cultures honour the departed and how these traditions adapt today.

What You'll Learn

-    Plague’s Lasting Echoes: How the Black Death spurred faster, safer burial practices that still influence modern customs.
-    Cultural Evolution: How ancient rituals like sky burials blend with innovations like eco-friendly cremations and virtual memorials for heartfelt farewells.
-    Grief to Connection: How wakes and tangihanga foster community, transforming loss into shared stories and celebration.

We reflect on how history’s darkest moments inspire evolving rituals that unite us in grief, joy, and meaning.

It's A Death Sentence is produced by Urban Podcasts.

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