Jordyn Brown

Tina Katsanos
LBST 2102-338
21 October 2016
Nobody Likes Sad News
People of different cultures have a variety of ways to deal with death within their
community. Most are familiar with ritual behaviors such as having a funeral for the deceased, but
there are several other acts that may occur within other cultures during this period of time. Death
is a sensitive subject and time for people of all cultures, and it is important to use appropriate
care for patients and families members. For Torres Straight Islander, a group of Australian
Aborigines, there are customary practices done before and after death. Each practice has a
specific meaning and is sacred to the group.
Before death, the immediate and extended families gather together at the familys home.
Visitors will come to see the patient who is near death. This gathering is in respect of the patient
and is a preparation for the patients next stage in life. Health professionals must make sure that
they are aware of cultural appropriations so that they can offer full respect. The family may or
may not ask questions, but the health professionals must be prepared to answer questions if
needed. Some Torres Straight Islanders will ask to see a clergy, which is a group of people in a
religion. This may be similar to when a pastor or a group of ministers come to pray over the sick.
Sorry business is a term used to refer to the process of mourning after a family member
or community member has died. During sorry business people are obligated to attend the funeral
and take part in different activities. The entire community is expected to be involved in the
funeral. Attending the funeral is to ensure that the deceased has properly been put to rest. During

this time certain things are allowed while other things are forbidden. Avoiding contact with
family members is recommended as a sign of respect. Loud mourning is also a sign that a new
relative has arrived. The purpose of following certain protocols after someones death is to send
them to the next world and to identify why the person has passed away. For Torres Straight
Islanders, a person passing away is referred to sad news. When a person passes away their spirit
leaves and is sent to the next stage in their life. This is similar to ancestor worship, but instead of
keeping the presence of the deceased around, the goal is to send them away. Sudden death is
dealt with differently in comparison to an expected death. Sudden death is thought to sometimes
involve witchcraft were there is someone to blame for the persons death. Therefore, sudden
death may lead to revenge.
Other acts are frowned upon in there culture such as mentioning the name of the
deceased. It is believed that mentioning the name of the deceased will bring their spirit back.
Even images or voice recordings of the deceased may be offensive. It is also inappropriate for
health staff members to contact the family and inform them of the passing. The role of informing
the family of the persons passing is given to the marigeth or spirit hand. This is usually given
to in-law relatives, and they must support and take care of the family. The marigeth will act as a
spokesperson and make arrangements for the funeral. This includes making invitations to attend
the funeral and creating the tombstone; this process may take several years.
After death there is a tombstone unveiling for family members. This practice is similar to
a wake ceremony where the family comes to view the body before the funeral. Although similar
to a wake ceremony it is very different. This ceremony last the entire day and ends with eating
and traditional dances. It is done a year after the person has died whereas a wake is done before
the funeral. During this unveiling lots of people gather around to say their last goodbye. The

peek of the ritual takes place when the draped headstone is revealed. Goods and money are
collected from the guest and given to the marigeth.
Rituals done by indigenous people are quite different from rituals done within nonindigenous communities. It is important to understand that everyone has a different way of
dealing with certain events that occur within all communities. Torres Strait Islanders go through
several mourning practices in order for the dead to properly enter their next stage. In contrast,
other non-indigenous communities have funerals to celebrate the life of someone who has passed
away. In some culture death is not always the reason for mourning. As mentioned in class,
certain Australian Aborigines may fall over and lay down in a ball to wail as a sign of mourning.
This was done not only during death but when half-caste children were taken away from their
mothers. These acts are what lead the nation to have a Sorry Day, which is a day to remember the
lost generation. Coming from a different culture, respecting the actions done by other cultures is
the right thing to do. No one deserves to be judge for his or her way of life just because it is not
similar to yours.

Works Cited
A. (2015, December). Sad News, Sorry Business - Queensland Health. Retrieved October 26,
2016, from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/atsihealth/documents/sorry_business.pdf