News

People have been publishing guides on dying well since as far back as the fifteenth century. In those times death was never far away. Plague, famine, childbirth, war, and fatal disease were rampant. Doctors did not know to routinely wash their hands until the mid-1800s. Instead they relied on crude techniques and superstitious practices such as burning aromatic herbs and bloodletting. It is not surprising that one third of children died before the age of five and only one out of every ten adults lived to be as old as 50.

With death always a possibility it is no wonder people sought instruction as to how to die well. The ‘Ars Moriendi’ or The Art of Dying is a fifteenth century work intended to bring comfort and practical instruction to the dying and their family. Written by Christian monks, it is understandably filled with the religious beliefs of the time, asking the dying to avoid temptations such as lack of faith, despair, impatience, spiritual pride, and avarice in order to be received into heaven.

This work was eventually published and illustrated with a series of eleven woodcut engravings. Each engraving represented a set of ideas to help manage death and bring comfort. Modern audiences can still find reassurance from the over-arching ideas expressed without the heavy religious messaging.

First, we learn how to support someone who is dying, instead of fearing their presence and the inevitability of death.

Second, we explore the non-physical aspects of death, such as spiritual experiences, which can transform the end of life into something profoundly meaningful.

Third, we focus on alleviating pain, for a peaceful and dignified death.

Fourth, we familiarize ourselves with what death looks like, allowing us to confront the passing of loved ones without fear of the unknown.

Fifth, we understand the necessary tasks and procedures following a death, enabling us to honour the deceased.

Sixth, we develop skills, especially social ones, to handle unexpected deaths with sensitivity and effectiveness.

Seventh, we learn how to say goodbye authentically, discarding superficialities and either revisiting traditional practices or creating new ways for a farewell.

Eighth, we discover new methods of reaching out in times of grief, both for the benefit of others and for our own healing.

Ninth, we prepare in advance by applying what we’ve learned to make practical arrangements, helping ourselves and others in the process.

Tenth, we envision our desired end-of-life scenario well before it becomes imminent, working towards making it a reality.

Eleventh, we become comfortable discussing our own death, using words to communicate our wishes and alleviate fears—both our own and those of others.

Images above taken from the Ars Moriendi: Temptation to avarice (left), Inspiration against avarice (right).

This post was inspired by Margaret Rice’s article in Good Grief!