Reburial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reburial

[ˌriːˈbɜːriəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

ceremonial act

Reburial refers to the act of burying something again, particularly in the context of human remains that have been exhumed. This often takes place due to various reasons, such as relocation, preservation, or the completion of archaeological studies.

Synonyms

reinterment, reinterring, reposing.

Examples of usage

  • The reburial of the ancient artifacts was conducted with great respect.
  • After the discovery of the grave, the reburial was planned for the following week.
  • The community held a ceremony for the reburial of their ancestors.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, reburial is a way of honoring ancestors, ensuring they are at peace and in the right place.
  • Certain Native American tribes practice reburial to protect sacred sites and remains from desecration.

Archaeology

  • Archaeologists often encounter reburial when they relocate artifacts or human remains to improve preservation.
  • Certain sites undergo reburial to prevent damage from natural elements, ensuring their historical value is maintained.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Reburial can raise legal issues, such as rights of descendants and preservation of cultural heritage.
  • Many laws require consultation with community members before making decisions about reburial.

Religious Beliefs

  • Religions such as Christianity and Islam emphasize proper burial practices, sometimes involving reburial to adhere to religious laws.
  • Rituals surrounding reburial often include prayers or ceremonies to honor the deceased.

Origin of 'reburial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 're-', meaning again, and the word 'burial', which means to bury.
  • It relates to historical practices where remains were moved to more sacred or safer locations.

The term 'rebury' comes from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and 'bury', which is derived from the Old English 'byrgan', meaning 'to conceal or to hide'. The practice of reburial has been significant throughout history, often tied to cultural rituals surrounding death and the respect for the deceased. In many cultures, the reburial of remains is perceived as a way to honor the ancestors and provide them with peace. The legality and procedures surrounding reburial can vary widely from place to place, especially when it involves archaeological sites or historical remains. Various laws and ethical considerations might impact how and when reburial takes place, reflecting society's evolving attitudes towards death, memory, and historical preservation.