Ritos, significados y sentimientos en torno a la vida y la muerte

Abstract

Death is an inevitable occurrence that forms part of life for individuals and society. The relationship each community has with the phenomenon of death changes and evolves depending on the environment and the context in which it occurs. Correspondingly, the way in which individuals cope with their own death and the passing of their loved ones also changes and evolves. This doctoral thesis presents the study of certain rituals associated with the relationship that exists between life and death in Spain. It also reports on an investigation into changes in certain feelings and meanings related to death that were produced by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the consequent limitations on performing funeral rites and formally saying goodbye to loved ones. Two complementary research studies have been carried out with a qualitative, phenomenological and interpretative approach through fieldwork and in-depth interviews in Galicia and the Community of Madrid. As a result of these investigations, four scientific articles have been written, each with interrelated objectives and conclusions. The results include: the importance of rituals around death as a form of expressing the relationship human beings have with their own passing and that of their loved ones; the difficulty of proceeding through healthy mourning after the absence of farewells during the COVID-19 crisis; the emotional support needs of many professionals who witnessed COVID-19 deaths; and the desire of individuals to be accompanied in the last moments of their lives, as well as the desire to dignify those who have died with adequate farewell rituals. Finally, the thesis opens wide-ranging itineraries along the paths of research, reflection and intervention