Thesis
Mourning rituals and their psychological meanings in Iranian culture
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2019
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100515
Abstract
A handful of empirical and ethnographic studies have attempted to understand mourning rituals and the ways rituals are organized in different ethnic groups in Iran. Researchers do not fully understand how the psychological experiences of mourners differ in ethnic subcultures and religious groups. This study explores how mourning rituals are organized in various ethnic and religious groups across Iran and investigates the association between mourning rituals and the psychosocial experiences of mourners. A total of 20 mourners (men and women) from a diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs were interviewed in shrines, a public hospital, and cultural centers in Tehran. A semi-structured interview format was used to collect data from individual respondents to better understand their mourning practices and cultural and psychological experiences in a memorable event of loss. The data was analyzed based on gender, ethnicity, and religious belief. The findings provide detailed insight into the psychological and cultural aspects of mourning rituals in various social, cultural and religious groups. I argue that final relief from loss occurs not as a direct result of emotional catharsis; instead, the sense of relief at the end of the mourning process builds from strengthening social bonds. My findings indicate that relief from a sense of loss through mourning rites operates differently for the following groups: (1) Individuals whose mourning is organized around ethnic tradition, (2) Individuals whose mourning is organized around holy people and religious leaders, and (3) Individuals who reject of traditional customs and religious values, and whose mourning is often beset by confusion and doubt. I realize that rituals can be seen as causing distress for some women, which can be explained through their different gendered role during mournful occasions.
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Details
- Title
- Mourning rituals and their psychological meanings in Iranian culture
- Creators
- Arian Karimitar
- Contributors
- Jeannette Marie Mageo (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525385201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis