What is it in our ancient DNA that tells us collectively there is something beyond this physical realm? That we need to ritualize the burial of a body, inter it in a sacred place, and provide items to help it along its journey? Are we wired for a spiritual connection to our lost loved ones? And if so, why? I mean, from a sociological perspective, i

Yet, pre–Civil War, most Americans died, experienced family-centered postmortem care, and were buried at home.