In Europe, the vision of death is often more secularized, with an emphasis on modern medicine and end-of-life discussions. Approaches vary considerably from country to country, with euthanasia strictly legal in the Netherlands, for example, while in other European countries, end-of-life debates are often rooted in ethical considerations. A study in the European Journal of Public Health indicates that attitudes towards death in Europe are evolving towards greater secularization and cultural diversity. In Africa, research by the University of the Witwatersrand highlights the marked influence of tribal traditions and ritual practices in the perception of death.

Interestingly, trends evolve over time, showing a transition towards more diverse and individualized approaches to death in Europe, while certain regions of Africa strongly preserve their ancestral traditions.Death is perceived in different ways in Africa and Europe, reflecting cultural and religious diversity. These perceptions influence rituals, funeral practices and end-of-life discussions in each region.

The hypocrisy surrounding death is a complex and sometimes delicate issue within families. Hypocritical weeping can occur, sometimes masking less altruistic motivations (Romans 12:9, emphasizing the call to love without hypocrisy).When death occurs, social pressure can lead to the expression of emotions in line with expectations, even if they don't always reflect the reality of relationships. This hypocrisy can be exacerbated by unresolved family quarrels, rivalries or even greed.

The desire to profit from a grieving situation is a troubling reality, with quarrels over inheritance, property or financial arrangements potentially taking precedence over genuine grief. This raises moral and ethical questions, highlighting conflicts of interest within families. However, it is crucial to note that not all families react in the same way, and many members show genuine solidarity in difficult times.In some African countries, traditional mourners play a significant role in funeral rituals, bringing a unique emotional and cultural dimension to the way death is experienced. These women express the family's grief in an expressive way, with their lamentations seen as a form of artistic and ritual expression. Their complex role blends personal grief with a symbolic representation of collective mourning. The role of traditional mourners would therefore be to help shape the way death is celebrated, providing a space for emotional expression and remembrance of the deceased.

From a Christian perspective, death is a transition to eternal life with the Creator, illustrated by the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 15:55, which highlights the victory over death through Jesus Christ.For believers, death is not the end, but rather the passage to a spiritual existence, a source of comfort and hope. Salvation depends on faith in Jesus Christ and a life lived in accordance with His teachings. According to biblical principles, weeping or ceremonies after death are not determinants of eternal salvation. Salvation is considered a grace granted by God, based on faith in Jesus and not on human works or post-mortem rituals.

The Bible verse Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is God's gift of grace through faith, not the result of human actions. The life lived in Christ, characterized by faith, repentance and love for others, is seen as the response to this saving grace Thus, in the Christian perspective, weeping and ceremonies may have emotional and cultural significance, but eternal salvation is determined by personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than by actions after death. The view of death as a celebration in Christ rests on the conviction that physical separation is temporary and that reunion with God promises a better, eternal life. It's a different perspective on mourning, offering the possibility of seeing death as a liberation.

Mary NGASSA