How does "crossing the stream (or river, or cross over)" relate to dying?

Answer 1

Because life is like a river in which it can't be contained.

If you cross a river, it will never be that same river you crossed again- by some author.

Answer 2

Not only do many belief systems see a river or body of water as separating the Afterlife from our World, but many (especially the pre-Christian religions) saw Water as a sacred element, the Waters of life. In some mythology and folklore, the source of creation comes from a sacred river. Like the Ganges or Danube. Many old belief systems think that a Mother Goddess gave birth to the world and the sacred rivers and seas etc were formed from the waters of Her womb. As such, crossing the Water of Life would take you into the realms of the Dead, or the Gods. This has stayed with us as a the phrase "crossing over" etc.

Answer 3

To many cultures death was the ultimate journey. Many cultures have myths that describe souls traveling to their places of rest, and they describe crossing rivers, deserts, etc.

For example, the Mexicas (Aztecs) of ancient Mexico believed that the souls of the deceased would travel to a place of eternal rest called "Mictlan". In order to get there, souls had to cross a river. An animal companion - a small hairless dog would some times help the soul to swim to the other side of the river.

Answer 4

Many belief systems have crossing of a river to go to the place of the dead. One that I can remember off hand is having to cross the River Styx to get to Hades.

Answer 5

Charon, in Greek mythology, is the ferryman of the dead. The souls of the deceased are brought to him by Hermes, and Charon ferries them across the river Acheron.

Answer 6

In ancient greek or roman mythology (i can't remember anymore) there was a ferryman. He took the souls of the dead across the river Styx. I guess it comes from there.

Answer 7

Charon, in Greek mythology would ferry people over the river stxy

Answer 8

Crossing over just means that you are passing from this world to the next, wherever that may take you.

Answer 9

How does "kicking the bucket" relate to dying?

Or "pushing up daisies"?

Or "Singing in the choir Invisible"?

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of euphemisms used to avoid using that scary four-letter word: DEAD.

Answer 10

In Hindu beliefs [ if i understand it right],
the body-Mind-Intellect is a just a temporary & transitional one.
the Inner SOUL is ETERNAL AND INFINITE.
so, when death of the physical body occurs, it is said to TRANSCEND to another EXISTANCE to reappear again in its next birth.