Close Menu
SavvyDime
    What's Hot

    What is Zero-Based Budgeting?

    July 22, 2021

    Understanding Your Investment Risk Tolerance

    July 23, 2021

    5 Incredible Money-Saving Hacks

    August 9, 2021
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram RSS
    SavvyDime
    • Technology
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Lifestyle
    • Legal
    SavvyDime
    Home » Multiple Religious Groups Outraged by the Burials of Human Remains on the Moon

    Multiple Religious Groups Outraged by the Burials of Human Remains on the Moon

    By Julia MehalkoMarch 19, 20245 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email
    A full moon seen in the sky amid black space.
    Source: Gravitatas/Wikimedia Commons
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link

    In January of 2024, Peregrine 1, the first commercial lunar lander, took off from Earth to land on the moon. Alongside scientific instruments, the lander held various human remains. Peregrine 1 intended to create a space burial for these cremated ashes.

    Upon this becoming news, many religious groups became outraged over the idea of human remains being buried on the moon. These religious groups have varying opinions on why burying human ashes on the moon is controversial.

    Peregrine 1

    Source: NASA/Goddard/Rebecca Roth/Wikimedia Commons

    Peregrine 1 made history earlier this year, as it became the first commercial lunar lander. People were able to put part or all of their loved one’s ashes on the lander, thanks to the company Celestis, which paid for the capsules holding the remains.

    These families had to pay over $12,000 to get a spot on the lander for their loved ones. About 70 separate ashes were on board Peregrine 1 when it shot up into space, heading for the moon.

    Quick Outrage

    Source: Nicolas Thomas/Unsplash

    Once it became public that human remains were onboard Peregrine 1 — and that these ashes would be given a space burial on the moon — many religious organizations and cultures publicly disagreed with the idea.

    The Navajo Nation was just one critic. Buu Nygren, the president of the Navajo Nation, stated that “the moon holds a sacred place” for many tribes. Nygren explained that the moon shouldn’t be polluted like this.

    The Moon in Religion

    Source: NASA/Unsplash

    Various cultures and traditions hold the moon in high regard. Around the world, our human ancestors admired — and sometimes worshiped — the moon.

    When the religions we know today, such as Judaism and Christianity, came around and began to convert many pagan peoples, this worship of the moon was stopped. However, other religions still hold the moon in high regard.

    Funerary Rituals

    Source: Eli Solitas/Unsplash

    Therefore, some religious groups grew dismayed when learning about Peregrine 1’s human ashes. However, even religions and cultures that don’t worship the moon don’t agree with human remains being buried in space.

    This is because many religions have very strict funerary rituals and ideas about what to do with one’s body upon death.

    Hinduism and the Moon

    Source: Esaias Tan/Unsplash

    Hinduism is considered the oldest religion in the world that is still practiced today. For thousands of years, Hindus have considered the moon an important factor in their belief system.

    In ancient Hindu texts, virtuous humans who die have their spirits enter Chandraloka. Chandraloka is often considered the realm of the moon. During this time, these righteous spirits experience pure happiness before they are eventually reincarnated.

    Hinduism and Human Remains

    Source: zibik/Unsplash

    Hindus also have very strict funerary rituals about what to do with one’s remains. After one’s death, Hindus believe that ritual pollution occurs, which results in the deceased being cremated within 24 hours of their death to limit this pollution.

    Once the body is cremated, then one’s soul has officially cut ties with the body. This ultimately prepares the soul to be reincarnated once again. The ashes of a cremated human are put into an urn and then put into water.

    How Buddhists View the Moon

    Source: NASA/Unsplash

    There are different forms of Buddhism, just as there are different forms of Hinduism. Therefore, different beliefs do arise in each religion. However, the moon has historically played an important part in Buddhists’ lives.

    Those who practice older forms of Buddhism believe the moon is often identified with Chandra, a god who rides a chariot. To many Buddhists, the moon also offers insight into their future.

    Buddhists and Cremation

    Source: abhijeet gourav/Unsplash

    While different sects of Buddhism have different funerary rituals, most Buddhists believe in cremation. Therefore, they may not have had an issue with cremated human remains on Peregrine 1.

    However, many Buddhists also believe — as Hindus do — that after death, the body is in a polluted period. Therefore, the body must be dealt with accordingly. Cremation and funerary rituals must quickly occur after death.

    Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Beliefs About the Moon

    Source: Kym MacKinnon/Unsplash

    Jewish, Christian, and Islamic believers do not worship the moon. Christianity and Islam scriptures and teachings specifically state that their believers cannot worship the moon as the pagans did before them. However, some mystic Jewish teachings view the moon more positively.

    The moon does not hold a favored spot in these religions as they do in Hinduism and Buddhism. These three religions steer away from moon worshipping because, as monotheistic religions, they only believe in revering one god.

    Monotheistic Funeral Traditions

    Source: Noah Holm/Unsplash

    Funeral rituals between these three monotheistic religions can differ. While ancient Jewish followers believed in a pollution period of one’s corpse after death — much as Hindus and Buddhists do — they did not believe in cremation. They only buried their loved ones.

    Christians also historically only buried their dead. Muslims cleanse the body and bury it after death. However, while cremation is still strictly prohibited for Muslims today, many Jewish and Christian believers have come around to the idea of cremation.

    Different Religions, Death, and the Moon

    Source: Kym MacKinnon/Unsplash

    Clearly, various religions and cultures have different thoughts on the moon and death. Some strictly disagree with the idea of cremation, while others only cremate their dead. Sometimes, the moon is revered, while others refuse to do this.

    As religions and cultures vary, the topic of whether human remains should be buried on the moon will likely remain a controversial conversation. Peregrine 1 never got to bury its 70 remains on the moon, thanks to an engine malfunction — though other companies may try to do this in the near future.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Julia Mehalko

    Julia is an experienced news writer with more than 8 years of experience. With a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she is skilled at writing digestible finance information and shares a particular passion for technology and innovation! When she’s not writing, Julia enjoys shopping at vintage stores, watching old movies, and traveling.

    Comments are closed.

    Trending

    Walmart Lawsuit Results in the Retailer Paying $35 Million to Former Employee it Accused of Fraud

    November 27, 2024

    Advance Auto Parts Closes Hundreds of Stores and Lays Off Staff to Avoid Bankruptcy

    November 27, 2024

    Rare Comic Books That are Extremely Valuable Today

    November 26, 2024

    Which Family Dollar Stores are Closing?

    November 26, 2024
    Savvy Dime Makes You Savvy

    Savvy Dime provides personal business and financial analysis on the topics around the world impacting your wallet and marketplace.

    We are dedicated to delivering engaging and accurate news content that keeps you informed and equips you with the information you need to make practical personal financial decisions and grow your wealth.

    savvy dime logo
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Editorial Standards
    • Terms of Use
    © 2025 Savvy Dime and Decido.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.