> Invisible<voi### [at] devnull>  wrote:
>> On the other hand, what is
>> considered "decent" and what counts for "respect" varies wildly by
>> culture.
>
>    That's true, but this is Italy we are talking about, not some exotic
> niche culture in some isolated place. In western European societies there
> are certain norms and standards with respect to deceased people's remains
> (which are, in fact, largely shared by most of the rest of the world as
> well), and it can be generally assumed that if these standards are not
> followed, it's considered abhorrent.
>

True, but those "standards" DID change a LOT over time, from regions to 
regions, and from common peoples, clergy and nobility.

There is also the fact that, over time, cemetaries become overcrowded, 
can't be extended and new can't be established. That's particularly true 
in Europe. They NEED to remove older remains from time to time. The 
removed remains are often placed in some ossuaries or catacombs.

In some religious orders, it's considered an honour to have his body 
momified and placed in niches. In others, that honour is having his 
remains incorporated in some religious construction.
It's strange, disturbing, for most of us, but it's perfectly normal for 
those conserned.



Alain

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