ABSTRACT
The death-complex receives its colouring from death itself, from the fact that death always and constantly occurs, from certain psychological considerations, and from the cultural background. This study has been an investigation of these influences and causes which determine similarities and difierences, and an attempt has been made to show how, in a definite number of instances, customs which seem to have no psychological connection with the death-complex become identified with it. Then, too, although many features of the death-situation are often inextricably bound up with the cultural or historical setting, yet psyohological reactions may bring about similarities of ideas without considering the cultural background. Certain specific stimuli may explain similarities in the reaction of the mind. Granted that this be so, the opportunity is opened up for interpretations through independent development. Our deductions make us take
Our conclusions show that it is unscientific to assert dogmatically a single origin for a practice of like character found in so many areas. In other specific instances outside of the deathsituation very definite concrete evidence shows that different traits based upon common tendencies follow divergent lines, each independent of the other. From this it would seem that we have no authority to speak of a uniform line of development which caI'ries mankind from one stage to another. Perhaps the certain kinds of parallel sequence which we find marking the advance of cultural development in all parts of the world are due not so much to historical causes as to psychological ones; indeed, our analysis of the elements of the death-complex argues for the validity of this conception. *
similarities are due to diffusion. In considering diffusion it is not only necessary to assume spread, but to show how these features which enter a culture from without are changed by contact with a new cultural setting. When certain features are once in a culture they become connected with the deathsituation, and as a consequence, they became permeated with the flavour of this complex; assimilation may be immediate or not, such depending upon the nature of the two cultures. The elements need not enter the complex in the same order. The order of sequence may be determined by the general culture of the group and by various external influences. Although some of the special phases may have been prevalent in the group, yet others which present marked variation may be drawn in. The acceptance of these external traits would depend upon the culture of the recipient group.
