Their belief in the rebirth after death became their driving force behind their funeral practices. ... The wealthy went through the full process while the middle was downgraded and the poor were done very minimally, only enough to preserve the body by injecting cedar oil into the bowels through the anus. ... Although the basic function of the coffin was to protect the body from violation by animals and thieves, it was also regarded as the house of the spirit. ...

• Word Count: 1856
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School