Death Rituals

Death Rituals

When death is impending, the entire family will gather, pray, cry, and use religious medallions or other spiritual artifacts.²⁹^{, 30,} ^{31, 32}
When a person dies, the entire extended family is affected. The oldest family member makes all the arrangements and notifies the family. The body is kept until the entire family can gather.^{15, 29}^{, 30,} ^{31, 32}
The last bath is usually given by a family member.²⁹^{, 30}
Organ donation is not viewed as an option. Cremation also is not considered since the body is thought to be necessary for resurrection.²⁹^{, 30}
Haitians prefer to die at home, although the hospital is acceptable.²⁹^{, 30}
Autopsy is allowed in certain circumstances. If it is thought that the death was a result of maleficence, an autopsy may be requested. An autopsy may also be requested to ensure that the body is actually dead and not a zombie. The notion of Zombies seems to be more prevalent with rural Haitians than with urban residents. Zombies are created as a result of greed or malevolence.²⁹^{, 30}
Mourning practices include veye , dernier priye, and prise de deuil. Veye are preburial activities. Dernier priye is a 7 day home based ritual consisting of 7 days of prayer. This process is to help the soul pass into the next world. Prise de deuil takes place on the 7^th day and is similar to a funeral. This begins the official mourning period.²⁹^{, 30}