"The Journey of the Dead" by Caroline Risacher
18 November, 2012
From the Aymara conception of the world, life is a process where it needs death in order for it to be. Death isn't the end but a rebirth. Life is backward. One grows old and dies young to start over again in a new realm. Death is a journey to the soul in the under world and a celebration for the soul to start over and living to meet again. We live in a realm called the Akapacha. Every realm has another that completes it so it's divided into 2 planes- horizontal and vertical then thats divided into 4 realms- the world above, the Hanan Pacha, Uku Pacha, and the world below. The conception of life and death shows the difference from other Latin American countries. it shows their pre-hispanic beliefs and Christianity. The soul goes on a 3 year long journey ending Nov. 2 on the Day of the Dead and starts another 3 years to Uku Pacha then the underworld. The souls have a responsibility to take care of the community or the well being of it. The living gives food to the dead and keeps them company until they reach their final destination. At the wake, the living must drink and eat coca leaves for the soul to not turn to an evil spirit and then the soul must ask for forgiveness for their wrongdoings. The materials are given to the soul to reach his destination and will be guided by Achachila. Todos Santos, a celebration for the dead to begin their new life, marks the end of the journey to Uku Pachu.
Their conception is much different than what my religion believes to be for life and death. All the intricate details and what the dead has to go through is impressive. There are similar things from my religion to theirs such as giving food for the dead, their favorite. The celebration for the end of the loved ones death is my favorite part. Rather than a time of grief, they are instead celebrating, knowing that the dead are living a new life. So much things happen for the complete process for the soul to go to the underworld.
This article shows what they believe in. Their beliefs are what makes up part of the Bolivian culture. The process of life and death is different for every religion, but this is what some Bolivians perceive would happen. Religion provides a structure for culture to be maintained. The people determine what happens and to decides what the consequences and results would be. The belief is import for culture to be stable and differentiate among other religions and societies.
Their conception is much different than what my religion believes to be for life and death. All the intricate details and what the dead has to go through is impressive. There are similar things from my religion to theirs such as giving food for the dead, their favorite. The celebration for the end of the loved ones death is my favorite part. Rather than a time of grief, they are instead celebrating, knowing that the dead are living a new life. So much things happen for the complete process for the soul to go to the underworld.
This article shows what they believe in. Their beliefs are what makes up part of the Bolivian culture. The process of life and death is different for every religion, but this is what some Bolivians perceive would happen. Religion provides a structure for culture to be maintained. The people determine what happens and to decides what the consequences and results would be. The belief is import for culture to be stable and differentiate among other religions and societies.