Reinterring Meaning: Definition and Examples
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reinterring
[ˌriːɪnˈtɜːr ]
Definition
legal term
To reinter is to remove and then reinstall a burial or cremation, typically in a different location or under different circumstances. This process may occur due to various reasons, such as construction, relocation, or family wishes.
Synonyms
reburial, reinterment, relocation.
Examples of usage
- The family decided to reinter their ancestors in a new cemetery.
- After the renovation of the old graveyard, they had to reinter the remains.
- Due to legal issues, the remains were reinterred in a different state.
- The church agreed to reinter the historic figures in a more prominent location.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, reinterring is a respectful way to relocate ancestors, ensuring family ties are honored.
- Some communities perform rituals when reinterring, believing it helps the spirit find peace in its new resting place.
Legal Contexts
- Reinterring can involve legal processes, especially if remains are moved from one cemetery to another, requiring permits.
- Historical cases often arise where cemeteries are relocated for development, leading to discussions about respectful practices.
Historical Examples
- After the battle of Gettysburg, many fallen soldiers were reinterred in national cemeteries to honor their sacrifices.
- Notable public figures, like famous authors or politicians, have sometimes been reinterred to locations of greater historical significance.
Psychological Significance
- The act of reinterring often provides closure for families, allowing them to commemorate and celebrate their loved ones in a new setting.
- Psychologists say that the physical act of reinterring can help individuals process grief and create new memories associated with the deceased.
Origin of 'reinterring'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'reinterring' combines 're', meaning again, and 'inter', which comes from the Latin 'interrare', meaning to bury.
- Originally, the term 'inter' was used only in English for burial, but 'reinterring' developed later to describe the action of burying again.
The term 'reinter' is derived from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and the Latin root 'inter', which means 'to bury'. The word 'inter' has been used since the late Middle Ages, originally indicating the act of placing a body into the ground. Over time, as societies evolved and the practices surrounding death and burial changed, the need to carefully relocate bodies became more common due to urban development and personal desires. Thus, 'reinter' emerged in the English language as a specific term for this action, reflecting the complexities of human relationships with the dead and the importance of honoring their memory.