American Indian and Colonial Funeral Behavior

What did American Indians believe in?

The souls of the dead passed into a spirit world and became part of the spiritual forces

How my souls did the American Indians believe in?

Two souls: one that died when the body died and one that might wander on and eventually die

What is American law based upon?

English or common law

What was the Virginia Colony founded for?

Commercial or trade reasons

What was the Massachusetts Bay colony founded for?

Religious freedom from the American Church

What was the Rise of Protestantism and Calvinism Interested in?

Less church control

Why did American colonials view death the way they did?

a result of the harsh life they endured while settling the colonies such as disease, starvation, weather, Indians, etc.

What were some early symbols of death?

 the skull and cross bones and eventually changing to the cherub

What did funerals become?

A social event

What functions did colonial funerals serve?

Social, religious, and social status

Under-bearers

Carried coffin

Pall-bearers

Held the corners of the coffin

Family or nurse

Prepared the body

Local carpenters

Made the coffin

Sexton or family

Dug the grave