BURIAL IN IGBOLAND: ITS PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES AND FINANCIAL BURDEN

Abstract

Burial in Igboland has both psychological and financial implications. These implicationsoften leave the bereaved with some challenges prior the burial and afterwards. Financial burden of burialin Igboland can leave the bereaved with sense of inferiority, depression, frustration, angry, ashamed,fearful, tension, pain, mood swings, and risk of anxiety. Consequently, the bereaved may resort to unhealthycoping mechanisms, such as drinking, abusing drugs, or gambling to escape worries. Therefore, thisresearch suggests that communities and religious organizations especially churches should stop financialrecouping from the bereaved before accepting to officiate at burial ceremonies. Burial is not an occasionfor money-making but rather for showing empathy, social support, and genuine assistance to the bereaved.