Religion is the oldest ordered system we know of. The first mile marker on the journey to civilization. Burial of the dead, a ritual long believed to have religious grounding, has been discovered as far back as our prehistoric ancestors. The ceremony became more and more elaborate as human society pressed forward and religion and death became more of a central focus of many cultures around the world. Where, how and by who you were buried all became incredibly important. In Ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures, there were procedures required of anyone being buried. Steps to be taken to ensure a safe, uneventful passage to the afterlife.
Egyptians felt all organs except the heart were, most likely, useless in the after life. Only the heart, which they believed housed our emotion and intelligence, was needed for the trip to the other side. All other organs were wrapped and placed in ceremonial, decorative pottery. Great men were buried with their possessions so they would have them in the next life. Egyptians believed in a very material afterlife and their elaborate burials and monolithic pyramid tombs are the lasting example of that.
In Greece, burial was every bit as ceremonial but had much less to do with physical being in the afterlife. All that accompanied the deceased was a small payment for the ferryman Charon, to cross the river Styx into eternity. They didn't build huge pyramids for their mighty kings but their burials were no less a spectacle. Song an dance. Stories shared of time spent. Really resembling an Italian wake more than anything. A celebration of the life lived. Not grieving for the hole left.
Many Native American tribes and indigenous people of the Americas shared common burial traditions. The most important of which was a face up burial. They believed that when "God" came to take you up to your ancestors, if you were not facing the Heavens you would not see him and he would not see you. You would be trapped forever in an Earth limbo. A restless spirit. Restless spirits, the dead who died without dignity, without closure roaming the Earth, is a common theme across many religions. A proper, respectful burial is necessary to allow the person to "Rest In Peace".
Many ceremonies and beliefs about burial from ancient times are still alive and well today. Practiced by many cultures all around the globe. Above all these creeds promote respect for the dead. The care and respect afforded by burial ceremonies conceived, dismissed, and perfected since we were living in caves. The last show of respect and dignity they will receive before returning to the Earth that birthed and nurtured them.
Our first book in this new, (possibly) continuing series is Karen Armstrong's A History of God. Definitely my favorite biography out there. She really highlights what makes me so god damn popular.