Why Do Cultures Fear Death?

Imagine your favorite toy breaks and you cannot fix it. That sad feeling is a tiny bit like how grown-ups feel about death. It is the end of playtime forever.

Most people feel scared because they are not sure what comes next. Is it dark? Is it quiet? We like knowing what will happen. Death is the biggest mystery.

To feel better, people make up stories and hold special events. Some paint faces on pumpkins. Others light candles. These things help us remember that we are part of a bigger group. It makes the scary thing feel smaller and less alone.