Throughout the world, death and the rituals that surround it are steeped in taboos.
Death is celebrated, embraced and feared.
Around death and the dead, cultures put in place diverse restrictions and practices associated with clothing, food and ritual.
These webpages explore what happens to us when we die and the different ways we deal with death.
Death is certa
in, s
ince it is
inevitable, but also uncerta
in, s
ince its diagnosis is sometimes fallible.
Jacques-Benigne W
inslow, Danish Anatomist: Morte
incertae signa, 1740
In Australia today, many people find being in the presence of death frightening and unwelcome. Death is often hidden, sanitised and orderly. The Australian Museum has developed this website to accompany an exhibition designed to help explore some of the taboos surrounding death and explain what happens to our bodies when we die.
Death begins when the heart stops beating. Deprived of oxygen, a cascade of cellular death commences, beginning with brain cells and ending with skin cells. Death is a process rather than an event. Specifying the moment of death usually involves deciding on a point from which there can be no return.
In most Australian states, the current law describes death as:
'ei
ther irreversible cessation of circulation of blood
in the body of
the person or irreversible cessation of all function of
the bra
in of
the person'.
While our current definition is based on extensive medical knowledge, history suggests that any definition is far from permanent.
Signs of death
Decomposition
What happens after death?
Disposing of the dead
Remembering the dead
Virtual Autopsy
Follow a human autopsy process from start to finish including an external examination, opening the body, viewing internal organs, removing the organs and weighing them, removing the brain, replacing all organs and closing the body.
Play now
You may also be interested in...
What are the taboos in Australia? There aren't many taboo subjects in Australia, although if you've just met someone, you might want to avoid topics like
race, religion, politics and sex until you know them better. If you're looking for sure and safe conversation starters, try the weather or sports (especially football).
more What is taboo in Australia? Taboo is
an Australian comedy factual television series which premiered on Network 10 on 30 January 2018. The program is hosted by comedian Harley Breen, who tackles sensitive subjects and concludes with a comedy routine.
more Is Coinbase Safe Australia? In Australia,
Coinbase operates in compliance with laws such as KYC (Know Your Customer) and AUSTRAC Anti Money Laundering regulations. This means it should provide a safer trading experience when compared to some other global exchanges that aren't regulated in Australia.
more What was Australia called before Australia? The official name for the country of Australia is the Commonwealth of Australia. The original names for Australia Australia included
Terra Australis, New South Wales and New Holland. These old names were dropped in 1824.
more Is Australia always hot? No, it is not always hot in Australia. The Australian weather patterns mean winters in the southern states can get chilly. The Australian climate varies dramatically depending on what part of the country you're in. Average temperatures in Australian cities are very different in, say, Hobart and Darwin.
more Is Australia a NATO? NATO is a treaty-based organisation created in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.
Australia isn't a member, but an “enhanced opportunities partner”.
more Where is Mossland Australia? Mosslands is a homestead in
Western Australia. Mosslands is situated nearby to Jim Crow Gully, and west of St Johns Well.
more Is Binance in Australia? Yes, Binance is available for Australian citizens and residents to open an account and begin trading.
more Is Subway Halal Australia? Unfortunately
no Subway store in Australia offers a certified Halal menu and they do not ask their suppliers to source Halal certified products. Subway Australia uses the leading national meat suppliers across Australia, the same ones that you see in major supermarkets.
more What is taboo Japan? Taking Advantage of the Polite Japanese 'No' Standing on the Wrong Side of the Escalator. Improper Use of Chopsticks. Being Loud While Using the Public Transport System. Throwing Your Rubbish in the Wrong Bin.
more Does Australia have hyena? Adelaide Zoo has welcomed two new Spotted Hyenas to its wild family, the first time the species has been at Adelaide Zoo in over forty years.
more