Grieving through culture and community: A South African perspective

Abstract

This article considers the use of culture and community to promote both individual and conuuunity grieving and healing in South Africa. The uniqueness of the nation's ubuntu philosophy ("We are who we are through others"), enshrined in many cultural mores, provides the basis for this. The healing power of community and culture finds expression in the following sources:

Physical and financial support;
• Cultural and emotional support;
• Spiritual support

Despite technological advancements South Africans have not regressed humanistically (Bernard et al., 1996). Instead many South Africans have become caring of one another and have embraced the varied and conflicting behaviours and emotions associated with death and loss.