What do wiccans think of the reburial of ancestors?

Question

I am an archaeologist and would like to know what wiccans think of the reburial of 'ancestors' and the storage and excavation of human remains. Thank you.

Answer 1

I imagine it would depend on the individual Wiccan. We're not generally a cult of ancestor worship.

Personally, I feel that once you are dead, what happens to your body is largely immaterial; therefore I have no problem with the storage and excavation of human remains. In fact, I positively support such things if they lead to greater knowledge of the past. As for the reburial of ancestors, what matters is the comfort that it brings to the living.

Answer 2

I'm a bit of a fence sitter on this. I'm a historian. I think it's important to learn about our past and past cultures, and digging up graves is part of that discovery. But people are buried for a reason. It's why we can learn so much from their graves. So I appreciate it when archeologists rebury bodies when they are done studying them.

I particularly object to the display of bodies in public museums. Yes, it's just a body. But if someone wanted to put my grandmother on display, I'd say "no way," and I ahven't come up with a good reason why it would be OK to use a strangers body when I wouldn't use the body of someone I know.

I'm Wiccan but I don't think that really influences my opinion on this matter.

Answer 3

I have no idea who my ancestors were or where their remains are located. I don't think that the reburial of ancestors is a particularly good idea. If this entails digging someone up for study...I am against that. My reason being that the person was put to rest in a specific place and that should be respected. If you are speaking about individuals who have become uncovered after burial due to natural events...then I am okay the storing and excavation of those bodies. That would enclude situations like Lindow Man and Ötzi the Iceman.

Answer 4

There's no specific Wiccan belief on such matter... it's entirely up to the individual.

I don't care if you excavate a body, as long as you are respectful. I mean if somebody dug up my remains and used my femur bones as percussion instruments, that might not be very nice. And you should put the remains back afterwards.

Answer 5

Provided that the body isn't damaged or disrespected, and properly re-buried.. I'd suppose it really wouldn't matter. I think most Pagans/Wiccans believe very much that the body was a mere temporary home for the soul or spirit. I believe death was celebratory, something that was more of a release than a sad and dreary goodbye. =)

Answer 6

As mentioned, we all have our own ideas. I know its important to the sciences. It doesn't bother me personally since the body is just a shell but I know some cultures take issue with the desecration of their sacred lands and burial sites are among their sacred sites. How would most people feel if someone showed up at the local cemetery and started digging up bodies?

Answer 7

There is no prescribed Wiccan belief in this matter.

I would say it is up to the individual. I am sure some Wiccans would think it disrespectful, others would think it important to science.

Answer 8

I don't think Wiccans particularly care. Most of us realize the body is just a thing. Once its dead, its dead.

Answer 9

i can only really speak for my self here but i dont see a problem with it i mean if archaeologist did do what they do we wont know half the stuff we now would we.