Abstract:
The research covers the way the Vhavenḓa people bury their dead. Although the emphasis is on Tshivenḓa burials, the study has also examined the way burials are undertaken in other cultures such as Xhosa, Sotho, Indians, Xitsonga, Hindu, Greek and Muslim culture.
The study shows that burials in Tshivenḓa are characterized by peculiar features. For instance the way the royal people are buried is different from the way the ordinary people are laid to rest. In addition, there are also special rituals that must be performed when children, women and men are buried.
The study also includes to the fact that mordernity, has an impact on the manner in which the Vhavenḓa conduct their burials. In the past burials where cheap to conduct whereas these days they are relatively expensive. Lastly, the study has discovered that both old and modern forms of burials have advantages and disadvantages. It is, therefore, crucial for people to utilize the advantages of both the afore mentioned types of burial.
