President Monson's passing and funeral brought several questions and concerns to the members of the Church in Brazil.
"What do they do with the body for that long?"
"Is this normal?"
How come?"
Fortunately, Don has had some experience with funerals so he was able to put their minds at ease regarding our customs up north.
Funeral traditions in Brazil are different.
Brazilian custom is to get the deceased (the defunto) into the ground within 24-48 hours. Embalming is not a standard practice down here, and, being a tropical country, the body decomposes very quickly.
Brazilians believe the funeral is a time for feeling sadness and pain, not celebrating. It's common for family and friends to express their grief through wailing, loud crying, or even kissing and hugging the deceased. This is especially common among the older generation.
(This doesn't really apply to LDS funerals. Ours are more celebratory because of our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.)
Funerals are typically held in velórios, which are buildings that are specifically used for mourning deceased family or friends. While some of the places have concession stands nearby, in most cases, food is not welcome at funerals, because it takes the mind away from the beloved person who has been lost. (That's right - no ham, funeral potatoes, jello salads, and multiple cake choices down here!)
The cemeteries are something else.
The North Morgan Cemetery is looking better all the time!
(Anyone who has the annual fee in arrears may lose the lot of the drawer. Avoid disorders. Regulate your urgent debts!!!)
It is not uncommon to find quotes throughout the cemetery.
This one says:
"As soon as the man is old enough to live he is old enough to die."
A Room With a View
If those cemeteries don't impress you that much, Brazil is the home of the world’s tallest cemetery - a 32-story high rise where tombs are rented by the year and private memorial rooms go for about $105,000. Because of the hot Brazilian climate, bodies must be interred within 24 hours, so the MCE, as it’s known, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The building also contains a chapel, lagoon, peacock garden, waterfalls, an aviary full of parrots and toucans and even a small restaurant.
So, now you know!
AMEN
I love and sustain these men chosen by our Lord and Savior to lead His Church here on the earth.
It’s fascinating to hear of other culture’s traditions. And what a great opportunity for missionary work, even if it was just members asking. Now they can share with their friends.
ReplyDeleteHoly Moly! Those cemeteries are something else! How in the world do they afford the rent?? Waiting a week for a funeral probably really is so foreign to them!
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