Abstract
In this article, we explore rituals and ritualized care practices in a hospice in the Netherlands. The research is guided by two research questions. First, we want to know what kind of rituals and ritualized care practices are taking place in the hospice. Second, we aim to understand these practices from a cultural perspective, i.e., to what cultural values do these practices refer? We distinguish five types of ritual: (1) care practices in the morning; (2) meals; (3) care practices in the evening; (4) care practices in the dying phase; (5) a farewell ritual after a patient has died. Ritualization takes place in various degrees and forms, depending on changes in the state of liminality. Analysis of ritualized care practices shows that everyday care practices are enriched with non-instrumental elements that have a strong symbolic meaning, referring to the cultural value of the ‘good death’.
Highlights
Rituals take place throughout our lives, but they become more visible during pivotal moments (Van Gennep 1960; Turner 1969)
K.v.d.W. has a background in anthropology and is nurse, M.T. is spiritual caregiver in the hospice that functioned as site of research, M.H. is a ritual studies scholar and A.v.d.H. is professor in medical decision-making and care at the end of life
We explored rituals and ritualized care practices in a hospice in the Netherlands
Summary
Rituals take place throughout our lives, but they become more visible during pivotal moments (Van Gennep 1960; Turner 1969). Palliative care settings provide rich ground for rituals. The spectrum of rituals in palliative care settings is broad. It goes from more or less formalized rituals, such as a wake at the bedside of a dying person and religious rituals such as the anointment of the sick, to daily care practices with a ritual dimension, such as placing photos on the bedside table to make the dying person’s social network visible. Practices with a ritual dimension, or ritualized acts, are practices that go beyond the mere instrumental or functional aim of the act Those acts combine an instrumental and a symbolic dimension, referring to meaning(s) outside the act itself. In the context of palliative care, there are numerous examples of ritualized acts that provide a sense of meaning to patients, families and healthcare professionals.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 call
