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Burial: meaning, definitions and examples

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burial

 

[ˈberiəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

funeral ceremony

The act of putting a dead body into a grave or the process of burying someone who has died. Burials are often accompanied by a funeral ceremony to honor and remember the deceased.

Synonyms

entombment, interment, inurnment.

Examples of usage

  • The burial of the soldier was attended by his family and fellow servicemen.
  • She requested a simple burial in the family plot.
Context #2 | Noun

place for burying

A place where dead bodies are buried, typically a cemetery or graveyard. Burials can also refer to the act of burying someone in such a place.

Synonyms

cemetery, grave, graveyard.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient burial ground contained many archaeological treasures.
  • We visited the burial site to pay our respects to our ancestors.
Context #3 | Noun

act of concealing something

The act of concealing or hiding something, often to keep it secret or protected from discovery.

Synonyms

concealment, cover-up, hiding.

Examples of usage

  • The burial of the treasure was a closely guarded secret.
  • The burial of evidence made it difficult for the investigators to find the truth.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice dates back to prehistoric times when early humans buried their dead with tools and personal items.
  • In Ancient Egypt, burial practices included mummification and tomb building, reflecting beliefs in the afterlife.
  • In many cultures, burial grounds were seen as sacred spaces where the spirit could rest, influencing city planning and development.

Cultural Practices

  • Different cultures celebrate the life of the deceased with unique burial ceremonies, such as the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
  • The Tibetan Sky Burial involves placing the body on a mountain to be consumed by vultures, reflecting beliefs in transformation and rebirth.
  • In Japan, some families practice 'mizuko kuyo', a ritual to mourn children who died before birth, usually involving a specially dedicated burial.

Psychology

  • Grieving is a natural emotional response to burial, allowing loved ones to express sorrow and find closure.
  • Different societies have varying attitudes towards death and burial, influencing how individuals cope with loss.
  • Rituals associated with burial can help survivors to navigate their grief, providing support through community and shared remembrance.

Legislation and Ethics

  • Burial laws vary worldwide, dictating where and how bodies can be interred, reflecting cultural values and public health concerns.
  • Cemetery management involves ethical considerations about land use, preservation, and ensuring respectful treatment of the deceased.
  • In recent years, eco-burial has gained popularity, emphasizing biodegradable materials to return bodies to the earth naturally.

Literature and Art

  • Burials have been a common theme in literature, symbolizing themes of loss, remembrance, and the cycle of life.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' explore the implications and emotions of death and burial through its characters.
  • Artists often depict burials to convey societal values or to evoke emotions surrounding mortality and legacy.

Translations

Translations of the word "burial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enterro

🇮🇳 दफन

🇩🇪 Beerdigung

🇮🇩 penguburan

🇺🇦 поховання

🇵🇱 pochówek

🇯🇵 埋葬

🇫🇷 enterrement

🇪🇸 entierro

🇹🇷 defin

🇰🇷 매장

🇸🇦 دفن

🇨🇿 pohřeb

🇸🇰 pohreb

🇨🇳 埋葬

🇸🇮 pokop

🇮🇸 greftrun

🇰🇿 жерлеу

🇬🇪 დასაფლავება

🇦🇿 dəfn

🇲🇽 entierro

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,842 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.