Social Mourning: 230,000 people died in the Tsunami

Grief Ceremonies

Atherton collected ‘Grieving Ceremonies’ from each country. Sri Lanka and Thailand are predominantly Theravada Buddhist. Many Buddhists believe that a person’s body can receive gifts and messages after they pass away, so they gather around them to pray and bestow presents. Buddhist mourning periods last up to 100 days, with services traditionally held on the third, seventh, 49th, and 100th day. In Buddhism, they believe it takes a total of 49 days for one’s spirit and energy to be fully released. At Temple, the Monk leads the congregation in simpatico, rhythmic meditations and chants in honor of your loved ones. These ceremonies are generally private for the family.

In Banda Aceh, Indonesia a Islamic community, the ceremonies are private with the family. It is believed that this earthly life was preceded by life in the world of souls (alam arwah) and will be continued by the life in the grave (kubur), when the soul will live in a world in-between (alam barzakh). God will resurrect all humans from their graves to stand before Him on the Day of Judgement. According to Islamic law, an obligatory ritual prayer is conducted over the dead person (salat al-janazah). There is the nightly reading of Surah Yasin and supplications for dead. Following the ceremony in the home, the family goes to their local Mosque. Atherton photographed the Mosque prayers in Banda Aceh.