My Anthropology class about Death ended today. We saw a short ethnographic documentary (14 minutes) called "A Death in Japan" Very well done ethnographic film. No narration, just a few subtitles to mark the different days and set the scene. This was the only picture that I could find online. However it was constructed in such a way that you did not need narration even though it was so short. The story told itself with little explanation. A Christian funeral; or a Japanese funeral with Christian parts. Lasted three days. Class members expressed amazement that the filmmaker could get access approval to film all of the parts. The deceased, a 39 year old man, who died suddenly and unexpectedly. His parents come. There's a wake held in a room in the church. The funeral attendants came and attended to the body. The second day included some socializing and food. Then the funeral at the church with an open casket with flowers put in by attendees. Then the party accompanies the body to the crematorium. The doors close. That's the end, right?
No, then there's a part afterwards where the family gathers with the cremated remains and carefully with chopsticks and white cloth, picks up the bone pieces and puts them in the box. Very respectful but unexpected!
You thought maybe they would use the chop sticks to eat???
I enjoyed the class, it had it's uncertain moments but really covered a lot. Glad I had the chance....
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