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Monday, April 18, 2016

O is for Ossuary

My theme for this year's A- Z Blogfest is DEATH (who I hope is like DEATH in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series): "...tall, thin (skeletal, as a matter of fact), and ALWAYS SPEAKS IN CAPITAL LETTERS. Generally shows up when you're dead, or just when he thinks you ought to be." Today we have O for Ossuary.

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.



17 comments:

  1. Well, I'd be taking up less space...

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  2. Seems like a good idea when space is limited.

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  3. Another new word for me. Interesting post. Thank you.

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  4. I 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.

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  5. I remember reading they would have to break legs of the deceased to get them to fit in these boxes.

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  6. So, are these forerunners to the coffin? Or are they specific to a certain culture?

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  7. Huh, I didn't know that! Is it like a catacomb?

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  8. interesting. 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!

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  9. Understandable for crowded areas. Better than stacking the bones, although some places do that too, right?

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  10. I actually know that word! Ever heard of the Sedlec Ossuary? http://sedlecossuary.com/sedlec-ossuary-pictures/

    it's pretty high up on my list of places I want to visit....

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  11. 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.

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  12. Not for me. I don't want there to be anything left.
    LOVE that quote.

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  13. You made me laugh with the comment about a cramped space. I agree about the quote being great.
    Awakening Dreams and Conquering Nightmares with a Pen
    Blessings to you and yours, my dear.

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  14. I'm pretty sure I'll not notice.

    Donna Smith
    A to Z Challenge and NaPoWriMo
    http://mainelywrite.blogspot.com
    Mainely Write

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  15. 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.

    Susan Says

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  16. 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.

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