Local customs surrounding death can often blend with newly introduced beliefs due to the influence of globalization. As different cultures interact through trade, migration, technology, and communication, there is an exchange of ideas, rituals, and practices surrounding death and dying. This interaction can lead to the adaptation of local customs as they incorporate elements from various global traditions.
For example, a community might integrate aspects of a foreign funeral practice into their existing rituals, which not only enriches their local customs but also reflects a broader trend of cultural syncretism. This blending allows for a more diverse understanding of death, where individuals can express their grief and remembrance through a mix of traditional and modern or foreign practices.
In contrast, the notion that local customs will remain entirely unchanged is unrealistic in the face of such influences, as is the idea that they will become obsolete or be consistently rejected. While some customs might resist change or be maintained in specific contexts, the overall trend in a globalized world is one of adaptation and blending.