Pyre
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2008-07-02T22:50:17Z
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[[Image:Ubud Cremation 1.jpg|thumb|An [[Ubud]] cremation ceremony in [[2005]].]]
A '''pyre''' (from the [[Greek_language|Greek]]: πυρά, ''pyrá'', from πυρ, ''pýr'', fire) is a structure, usually made of [[wood]], for burning a body as part of a [[funeral]] rite. As a form of [[cremation]], a body is placed upon the pyre which is then set on [[fire]].
Traditionally, pyres are used for the cremation of the deceased in [[Hinduism]]. In [[England]], the [[coffin]] is placed on an unlit pyre; however, in [[India]], the pyre is lit. Pyres are uncommon in the [[Western world]] in modern times and have been replaced by the idea of indoor cremation in a [[crematorium]]. In a [[Viking funeral]], the pyre was built on a ship, which was usually shaped like a dragon's nose.
==Other uses==
Pyres are used in celebrations and remembrance, in services such as [[Guy Fawkes Night]] and [[Swiss National Day]]. They were used in the [[Sobibór]] extermination camp to cremate bodies as opposed to the [[crematoriums]] used in most camps.
==See also==
* [[Sati (practice)|Sati]]
==External links==
* [http://beastcoins.com/Topical/Architecture/FuneralPyres/FuneralPyre.htm Ancient Roman funeral pyres]
{{wiktionarypar|pyre}}
[[Category:Burial monuments and structures]]
[[Category:Fire]]
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[[de:Scheiterhaufen]]
[[pt:Pira]]