Abstract

In the paper funeral rites are considered as an integral part of the life cycle rites. These rites have a universal character no matter in which ethnic environment they arose. At the same time they have some special features that reflect originality of cultures. In support of this thesis the author compares funeral rites of the Germans, the Chuvashes and the Tatars, reveals general and specific elements of it. Strong emphasis on these rites is caused by their special position in human life cycle. They can rally their participants for joint overcoming of critical situations. In the author’s opinion, funeral rites continue to serve as a mechanism of cultural identification of various peoples despite leveling of traditional values of local ethnic communities in the age of globalization.