sky burial
Noun: A traditional Tibetan funeral ritual in which a human corpse is placed on a mountaintop or a specially designated elevated platform to decompose naturally and be consumed by scavenging birds, particularly vultures, which are considered sacred.
This term is used specifically to describe this distinct funerary practice. It is a proper noun for the ritual itself. - The family chose a sky burial for their elder, in accordance with ancient custom. - Anthropologists have studied the cultural and religious significance of the sky burial. - Sky burial sites are often located in remote, high-altitude areas.
- The term is often discussed in contexts of cultural anthropology, religious studies, and discussions on alternative funeral practices.
- It is sometimes referenced metaphorically in literature or discourse to denote a return to nature or a non-traditional ending.
- Celestial burial: A less common, but synonymous term.
- Jhator: (From the Tibetan ) The Tibetan word for the practice, meaning "giving alms to the birds."
- Air burial: A direct, descriptive translation sometimes encountered.
- Exposure burial: A descriptive synonym focusing on the method.
- Bird burial: A simple, descriptive term.
This term refers exclusively to the specific Tibetan Buddhist and Bonpo practice. It is not a general term for any burial above ground. The primary motivations are practicality (in rocky terrain), compassion (the "gift" of the body to feed other creatures), and spiritual belief (facilitating the soul's transition by removing the physical vessel).
- a traditional Tibetan funeral ritual in which the corpse is exposed to the open air to be eaten by sacred vultures