Abstract
This paper presents evidence that there are fewer deaths than expected before three ceremonial occasions: the birthday, Presidential elections, and the Jewish Day of Atonement. The investigation of mortality before the birthday was based on biographical information on 1,333 famous persons; official vital statistics tables were used to study mortality before the other two occasions. Alternative explanations of our findings are examined; the evidence suggests that the dip in deaths before ceremonies results from some persons'postponement of death. These results are interpreted in terms of Durkheim 's discussion of social integration and ceremonies.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
