What term encompasses the beliefs and practices surrounding death in a culture?

The term that encompasses the beliefs and practices surrounding death in a culture is "death rituals." This term specifically refers to the structured and often ceremonial actions that individuals and communities engage in to honor, acknowledge, and navigate the complexities of death. Death rituals can include a wide variety of practices such as funerals, memorial services, and other ceremonies that may be specific to a culture or belief system.

These rituals serve multiple purposes: they help guide the grieving process, provide a way to respect and remember the deceased, and facilitate social support within the community. Because they are deeply rooted in cultural traditions, death rituals reflect the values, beliefs, and social structures of the society in which they are practiced.

While terms like funeral rites, death customs, and cultural reactions are related, they do not capture the full scope and significance that "death rituals" embodies. Funeral rites can be considered a subset of death rituals specifically focusing on the events surrounding the burial or cremation. Death customs can refer to broader practices but may not emphasize the ceremonial aspect as strongly. Cultural reactions to death can encompass emotions, thoughts, and responses but might not include the structured practices that are central to the idea of death rituals. Thus, "death rituals" is the most comprehensive term for