Death in the cloud. When cemeteries disappear, will memory vanish? Prof. Urbańczyk on the twilight of ritual

Humans uniquely confront the inevitability of death, which culture helps to tame. Burial practices date back at least 100,000 years, indicating a belief in an afterlife. Societies develop religious systems to justify human status and regulate treatment of the dead. Rituals surrounding death foster social bonds and reflect collective beliefs rather than individual ones. Various cultures exhibit diverse burial customs, from leaving bodies for scavengers to elaborate mummification. Contemporary secular societies are witnessing a shift towards more flexible approaches to handling remains, reflecting changing attitudes towards death and the afterlife.