Death & Culture: Dying Matters Week 2025
Whether it’s considering our own mortality or reflecting on the passing of others, death remains one of the most impactful events in our lives. How we’ve come to think about death is often shaped by our personal experiences, history and culture. This week we’re joining the nation in supporting Dying Matters Week 2025 and taking the opportunity to explore how different cultures across the UK approach death.
First and foremost, it’s important to reiterate that personal relationship. There’s no particular right or wrong way to think about death and each of us must make our own peace with it. Nevertheless, our communal nature means that culture plays a significant role in our outlook and not all cultures approach things in the same way. This is especially important to consider if we hope to support others empathetically and with understanding, rather than just with sympathy.
This week, we were delighted to sit down for a group discussion with the Primrose Family Support team to reflect on Dying Matters week. We started by asking how the team might encourage our community to talk about their wishes around death and dying…
Lisa
“Death and dying is a taboo subject that society struggles to talk about. Why is it when we are expecting a child, we plan, organise and talk openly what we want or expect? Why can’t we have those similar conversations about what we want when we die? Birth and Death are two important factors in our life, you don’t have to be diagnosed with a life limiting illness to start conversations around death and dying.”
Kristýna
“Change begins with each of us. I recognize that discussing death isn’t easy, but opening even one conversation can make a big difference. Start by offering a listening ear, and ask your loved ones about their wishes. Instead of shying away from the topic, we should try to give our close ones an opportunity to share their wishes and worries and we can do that simply by offering our attention, care, non-judgmental approach and time.”
Julie
“I try to talk about how helpful for others around them it is when people have made their wishes known because it reduces some of the stress and decision making for family members at an already very stressful and sad time.”
Niamh
“I think that being as clear as possible to loved ones about what you would like is always a good starting point. It is an incredibly difficult conversation to have, but expressing your wishes saves loved ones from having to guess what you would have otherwise wanted. Also, I think it is important to recognise that not everyone will know what their wishes are, and that’s okay. It’s about taking one thing at a time and getting those conversations started, even if you’re still undecided about what you would actually want.”
What would you say to our community to reassure them about feeling scared when talking about death and dying?
Heather
“Like most things the more comfortable we become in discussing the less scary and stigmatised the subject becomes. Mental health is a good example of how attitudes have changed, and Dying Matters helps promote this subject in a similar way.”
Julie
“We don’t talk about death enough so it’s a very scary subject but if someone has things that they really want to happen then they have to be brave and share those thoughts.”
Lisa
“Being scared is okay, if you’re too afraid of talking about it, start at the beginning and think about death and dying, possible questions to ask yourself like; ‘If I could, would I want to die at home’? ‘Do I have all my assets in order if I was to die tomorrow’? ‘Would I want to leave letters to my loved ones after my death’? ‘What songs and dress code would I want at my funeral’? ‘Would I want flowers or people to donate to my favourite charity’?”
Kristýna
“I agree, it’s completely natural to feel scared when talking about death and dying. Many of us worry that discussing it will make it seem more real or overwhelming. However, only by talking about death can we invite our close ones to help us carry the burden and it can help get a new perspective.”
Niamh
“Thinking about our own death and the death of loved ones can be very sad, worrying and frightening. The key thing to hold on to is that these discussions don’t have to be faced alone. Support from the people you trust as well as professionals such as hospice staff are there to hold and support you when faced with this difficult time.”
Why is it important to talk about dying and palliative care?
Kristýna
“Open discussions about dying and palliative care are essential because they raise awareness about the compassionate support available through hospice and palliative care teams. This ensures that more people receive the help they need during difficult time. It is an important topic that deserves attention and should not be surrounded by stigma.”
Heather
“So that we become more accepting of it and so death and dying becomes a more acceptable part of life, rather than something that stays hidden. Look at the care we provide at the start of our lives compared to the end, there is no comparison on services or resources.”
Lisa
“We encourage open conversations as it allows individuals to choose, discuss their wishes and feelings. Talking about it helps to empower individuals.”
What are some of the common misconceptions you’ve experienced about hospice care and support?
Heather
“The hospice isn’t as scary as most folks think if they came and experienced it. It’s a bright, cheerful place. Full of life but equally a place where we have honest discussions that help folk get the best quality of life and achieve the most important things for them.”
Kristýna
“A common misconception is that hospice is solely a place to die, the opposite is correct, as our patients come here to live their life with the highest possible quality of life. Hospice care isn’t about giving up; it’s about making every moment count while easing the burdens of illness.”
Julie
“I often hear that people think hospice is simply a place to die. I try to explain this is how the hospice movement started but it is not the sole purpose of a hospice. We are about people living well at the end of their life.”
Niamh
“One misconception is that hospices are sad, gloomy places where people go to die. Yes there can be sadness, and yes there is death, but hospices are so much more than that. Hospices are ultimately a place to keep living: I don’t think I speak for Primrose alone when I say that the relationships that are formed, the support that is offered and the fun that can still be had in the hospice setting should be celebrated. As much as hospice care and support encompasses helping people to have a dignified death, it equally includes supporting a dignified life for however long as possible, and that is something we should all be very proud of.”
Thanks team, a really helpful discussion!
Many cultural traditions around death and dying are often associated with faith, and the multicultural constitution of British society means that there are many different approaches and practices (1). The nuances around these customs can often be quite intricate so additional references have been provided throughout to assist with further reading.
Christianity
Life after death is a tenet often associated with Christianity and other Abrahamic faiths, with a focus on Heaven and resurrection. According to the Church of England, the Bible repeatedly assures of life beyond earthly experience, as taught by Jesus (2). Even so, there are many different funerary practices among the various denominations. For example, Catholics believe in the physical resurrection of the body which has historically placed limits of funerary practices such as cremation. Protestant denominations on the other hand, tend to allow for more flexibility in funerary practices (3, 4).
Islam
Islamic faith has a strong belief in the afterlife and resurrection of the physical body, placing strict limitations of funerary practices (5). Cremation is forbidden and instead, burials should take place as soon as possible after death. Traditionally, the body is ritually washed three times by family members in a practice known as ghusl mayyit and the deceased is then wrapped in a white cloth, known as the Kafan, in preparation for burial (6, 7). During interment, the body must be positioned in the grave so their right side faces Mecca, the Islamic holy city (8).
Judaism
The act of burial in Jewish tradition is a sacred practice performed by friends and loved ones, offering a physical connection and opportunity for closure. Funerals usually take place within 24 hours after death and a simple casket is used to symbolize equality and a return to the earth. In Judaism, the body remains of value reflecting a belief in resurrection so embalming or cremation are usually avoided (9). A traditional 7 day mourning period then follows known as Shiva (10).
Hinduism
Most Hindu funerary traditions revolve around a belief in reincarnation. Cremations usually take place within 24 hours, after the deceased has been ritually washed and prepared, and are aimed at helping the soul to continue on its journey. The next day, the ashes are scattered in a river or ocean (11). Then follows a period of mourning that traditionally lasts for 13 days with a ceremony called the Antyeshti held on the 14th day. This ceremony involves the offering of food and prayer, signalling the end of the mourning period and the start of the person’s rebirth (12).
Sikhism
Traditionally, there is a celebratory atmosphere to Sikh funerary practices where public displays of grief or emotion are avoided. Instead, Sikh funerals are seen as a celebration of the soul’s journey back to God. Cremation is preferred, although burial is acceptable, as the body is understood to be a mere vessel for the soul. This usually takes place within three days after death (13). If the deceased had been baptised, they are dressed in their karkars, also known as the ‘5 Ks’, the five articles of the Sikh faith (14). As with other Asian traditions, once cremated, ashes are usually scattered over water.
Buddhism
Buddhist funerary traditions reflect a belief in reincarnation, often choosing cremation in order to help release the body from the physical form. Prayers and the reciting of mantras are common practices, believed to help the soul move towards rebirth or liberation (15). Buddhist funerals are typically simple affairs with a focus on almsgiving, reflecting a belief in non-attachment and the impermanence of material things (16).
Secular Traditions
Across the UK, secular funerals, also known as non-religious or humanist funerals, are ceremonies that honour a person’s life without religious elements. They offer flexibility, allowing for personal tributes, a time for reflection and a space to mourn (17). Secular funerals can take a variety of forms depending on the wishes of the deceased and their families so it is often best to discuss these details directly.
Whatever your beliefs may be, one thing stands out across all of these cultural traditions – the importance of community and family. Life is challenging and death, often more so. Still, we are usually at our best when we meet these challenges together.
If you or someone you know is living with bereavement or life-limiting illness, visit our referral page to discover the support we can offer and get in touch with our team.
Until next time, wishing you the best from everyone at Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre.
By Josh Davies
References
Heather Coughlin (2025) Head of Family Support. Primrose Hospice, Pers. Comm.
Julie Guest (2025) Living Well Services Lead. Primrose Hospice, Pers. Comm.
Lisa Watts (2025) Family Support, Counselling and Benefits Lead Adviser. Primrose Hospice, Pers. Comm.
Kristýna Hallam (2025) Family support and Benefits Adviser. Primrose Hospice, Pers. Comm.
Niamh Walker (2025) Student Social Worker. Primrose Hospice, Pers. Comm.
(1) Uzell, J (2018) Factsheet: Death and funerals in world religions. Available at: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/death-funeral-rituals-in-world-religions (Accessed 2025)
(2) The Church of England. Christian Thinking on Grief, Bereavement and Loss. Available at: https://www.churchofengland.org/christian-thinking-grief-bereavement-and-loss (Accessed 2025)
(3) The Church of England. Funerals. Available at: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/funerals (Accessed 2025)
(4) Protestant Museum. The Protestants’ attitude towards death. Available at: https://museeprotestant.org/en/notice/the-protestants-attitude-towards-death (Accessed 2025)
(5) Memorial Planning. Islamic Funeral Etiquette, Traditions, Rites and More. Available at: https://www.memorialplanning.com/resources/religious-funerals-guide/islamic-funeral-guide (Accessed 2025)
(6) Al-Islam. The Ritual and Spiritual Purity: Ghusl. Available at: https://al-islam.org/ritual-and-spiritual-purity-sayyid-muhammad-rizvi/iii-ghusl (Accessed 2025)
(7) Al-Islam. Rules Relating to the Deceased – Philosophy and Ahkam: Rules Regarding the Kafan. Available at: https://al-islam.org/rules-relating-deceased-philosophy-and-ahkam/rules-regarding-kafan (Accessed 2025)
(8) Funeral Partners. Muslim funeral services. Available at: https://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/types-of-funerals/muslim-funeral-services (Accessed 2025)
(9) Jackson, M (2022) Jewish funerals in the UK: customs, traditions, and rites. Available at: https://fenixfuneral.co.uk/guidance/jewish-funeral-jewish-burial-uk-10-things-to-know (Accessed 2025)
(10) Shiva. Jewish Funerals and Burial. Available at: https://www.shiva.com/learning-center/death-and-mourning/jewish-funerals-and-burial (Accessed 2025)
(11) Empathy. Guide to Antyesti: Hindu funeral and Mourning Rituals. Available at: https://www.empathy.com/funeral/funerary-and-mourning-practices-in-hindu-tradition (Accessed 2025)
(12) Indian Funeral Company (2023) Understanding Hindu Funeral Customs and Traditions. Available at: https://indianfuneralcompany.co.uk/understanding-hindu-funeral-customs-and-traditions (Accessed 2025)
(13) The Farewell Guide. (2022) Sikh Funeral Rites. Available at: https://www.thefarewellguide.co.uk/sikh-funeral-rites (Accessed 2025)
(14) BBC (2009) The Five Ks. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/customs/fiveks.shtml (Accessed 2025)
(15) Scattering on Water. Buddhist Funeral Guide: Honouring Life and Embracing Rebirth. Available at: https://scatteringonwater.co.uk/water-ceremonies/buddhist-funeral-guide (Accessed 2025)
(16) Empathy. Buddhist traditions in death and mourning. Available at: https://www.empathy.com/funeral/buddhist-traditions-in-death-and-mourning (Accessed 2025)
(17) Humanists UK. Humanist funerals and memorials. Available at: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/non-religious-funerals (Accessed 2025)
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