Rituals and Traditions (Library Binding) (ISBN-13: 9781629208114)

Hundreds of years ago, Vikings had many elaborate traditions and rituals for funerals. Sometimes these rituals involved the burning of entire ships--and even human sacrifice. And if something was done incorrectly, they risked the dead returning as a zombie-like draugr. Death Uncovered: Rituals and Traditions details fascinating ways people commemorate, celebrate, and mourn the passing of loved ones. From Viking funeral pyres, to postmortem photographs in Victorian England, to death masks--made using actual dead bodies as the mask's mold--these six topics are sure to engage readers as they journey around the world to discover the rituals and traditions surrounding death in ancient times, up to today.