THANATOCRACY Meaning and
Definition
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Thanatocracy is a noun that refers to a system of government or rule by death or the dead. The term is derived from the Greek words "thanatos" meaning death, and "kratos" meaning power or rule. Thanatocracy suggests a state or society in which the influence of death is pervasive in the political and social realms.
In a thanatocracy, death holds a prominent role, shaping policies and practices. The governing power is often centralized around rituals, traditions, or beliefs related to death. The deceased or ancestors are venerated and considered as guiding or even commanding authorities. This can manifest itself through the leadership of religious or spiritual figures who claim to communicate with the dead, or through the establishment of rigid funeral customs and burial practices.
A thanatocracy typically emphasizes reverence for the deceased or death-related symbols, and often enforces strict adherence to these practices. This might include erecting memorials for the dead, holding elaborate funeral ceremonies, or even designating certain days or periods of mourning. Additionally, a thanatocracy may be characterized by a strong belief in the afterlife or spiritual realms beyond death, where the influence of the dead is believed to persist.
Overall, a thanatocracy describes a form of governance in which societal norms and political systems revolve around death, and the constant presence of death shapes the values, beliefs, and practices of a community.
Etymology of THANATOCRACY
The word "thanatocracy" is derived from two Greek roots: "thanatos", meaning death, and "kratia", meaning rule or government. The term was coined in the 19th century, combining these two root words to describe a form of government or ruling system where power is centered around death, typically referring to a government that rules through fear, oppression, or brutality.
