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| Ossuary of of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. The Israel Museum, jerusalem |
Ossuary: "a chest, box, building, well, or site made to serve as the final resting place of human skeletal remains. They are frequently used where burial space is scarce. A body is first buried in a temporary grave, then after some years the skeletal remains are removed and placed in an ossuary."
Admittedly that's a nice box, but I think I'd feel a bit cramped. What about you? Would you like your remains to reside in an ossuary?
Excerpt from Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett:
DEATH: WITCHES ARE MATRILINEAL. THEY FIND IT MUCH EASIER TO CHANGE MEN THAN TO CHANGE NAMES.
Well, I'd be taking up less space...
ReplyDeleteSeems like a good idea when space is limited.
ReplyDeleteAnother new word for me. Interesting post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how long it took them to determine the ideal amount of time a body should be buried before digging it back up to be put in that box? I imagine the first twenty attempts (at least) were not quite right (and more than a bit ripe). I wouldn't want the job of putting the bones in that box. That I know.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading they would have to break legs of the deceased to get them to fit in these boxes.
ReplyDeleteSo, are these forerunners to the coffin? Or are they specific to a certain culture?
ReplyDeleteHuh, I didn't know that! Is it like a catacomb?
ReplyDeleteinteresting. I'd be fine I guess with a fancy box. Then again I'm aiming for cremation and throw me out to sea. I like the quote - easier to change men than names!
ReplyDeleteUnderstandable for crowded areas. Better than stacking the bones, although some places do that too, right?
ReplyDeleteI actually know that word! Ever heard of the Sedlec Ossuary? http://sedlecossuary.com/sedlec-ossuary-pictures/
ReplyDeleteit's pretty high up on my list of places I want to visit....
I like that word - would that make the Catacombs in Paris a big Ossuary? All those bones arranged with no thought (how could one tell) which leg bones goes with which skull. I plan to be cremated so it won't be a problem. . .I don't like being underground - didn't go to the Catacombs but have read much on the subject.
ReplyDeleteNot for me. I don't want there to be anything left.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that quote.
You made me laugh with the comment about a cramped space. I agree about the quote being great.
ReplyDeleteAwakening Dreams and Conquering Nightmares with a Pen
Blessings to you and yours, my dear.
I'm pretty sure I'll not notice.
ReplyDeleteDonna Smith
A to Z Challenge and NaPoWriMo
http://mainelywrite.blogspot.com
Mainely Write
I've heard of this. It seems like a lot of trouble to dig up bones and then put them somewhere else. I want to be cremated but I actually don't care what they do with my body when I'm gone.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
I do like a pretty box, but I think it takes being alive to appreciate it. I'll opt to have my ashes scattered when I'm finished with this body. I'm certainly enjoying this series Marcy.
ReplyDeleteVery cramped.
ReplyDelete