Examining the Celebratory Aspects of Death: From A Psychological Perspective, the Slametan Tradition, and Catholic Church Leaders

Abstract

Death is often regarded solely as an occasion of grief that brings profound sorrow to those left behind and may even challenge an individual’s faith in God. This study offers an alternative perspective by proposing that death carries not only a dimension of mourning but also a dimension of celebration and gratitude, an aspect that has received limited scholarly attention. Using a qualitative method through descriptive-analytical library research, this study examines the phenomenon of death from three perspectives: psychological, cultural, and theological. From the psychological perspective, the study draws on Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—as a framework for understanding the inner processes experienced by bereaved individuals on their journey toward healing. From the cultural perspective, the study examines Indonesian death rituals such as Rambu Solo’ of Toraja, Ngaben of Bali, and slametan of Java, which contain elements of celebration and interpret death as a transition toward perfection or union with the Creator. From the theological perspective, the study explores the views of Catholic figures Saint Francis of Assisi and Edith Stein, who regarded death as a “sister” to be welcomed with joy rather than solely feared. The findings show that, despite their different foundations, the three perspectives converge on the understanding that death can be interpreted as a pathway toward the perfection of life with the Creator. The bereaved are therefore encouraged to reconcile with the reality of loss and transform their understanding from one of suffering toward gratitude, allowing death to be viewed not merely as a wound but also as a celebration of life.