For some people, death comes slowly and there is nothing they can do to prevent it, as in the case of someone that has been poisoned by a specific element. Others cannot enjoy being laid to rest in a peaceful manner. In this article, you will learn a collection of odd death facts that touch upon ancient beliefs to burial rituals that seem downright disrespectful.
A ‘Walking Ghost’
Although someone may be suffering from radiation poisoning, the victim may still appear to be in good health. Because of this, they are sometimes referred to as ‘a walking ghost.’ This phase can last for a couple of days as the poisoning fully takes effect on the body, but in all cases , the person still dies.
Martyrdom Seekers
In 313 AD, Donatus Magnus was a Bishop of Carthage who was associated with an early Christian heretical movement that was named after him , Donatism. It was the belief of the Donatists that the church should be a “church of saints and not sinners.” Because of this, it was not uncommon to see large numbers of followers wanting to become martyrs. They would choose suicide or ask strangers to take their lives, which was often executed in large groups. The belief was actually widespread. Despite their desire to die, the group still lingered into the 7th or 8th century.
Corpse Mutilation
In ancient Greece times, it was not uncommon to see bodies of the dead being mutilated to prevent them from vindictively affecting the living with their anger of being deceased. This practice is referred to as maschalismos and it has been reported to occur in many different parts of the world. In some parts of Europe, people who committed suicide had a stake driven into their hearts before they were buried. Dead bodies were beaten to the point of breaking bones in some parts of Australia.
Sati
The grief of losing a loved one can be unbearable to handle. However, some people from different cultures have jumped into a funeral pyre in thinking that they will become a deity. This ancient Hindu practice was called Sati, and although it was rare, some recent widows felt compelled to burn themselves alive during the funeral of their husband. Those that believed in Sati felt they were committing the ultimate act of marital loyalty. For their efforts, they thought they became a goddess. Shrines were put on display in her honor. In modern India, the practice was made illegal, but on occasion, some women still follow it. Records show that it has happened in 1987, 2006, and 2008. Although the act is supposed to be voluntary, there has been some evidence to show that this is not always the case.