NDIKIMI I PANDEMISË COVID-19 NË RITIN E VDEKJES TE SHQIPTARËT E KOSOVËS
THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE DEATH RITE OF KOSOVO ALBANIANS

Summary/Abstract: Death as part of the human life cycle has been in their attention since the existence of mankind. The rite of death occupies an important place in Albanian culture. During the death rite, many rituals were performed, based on various magical beliefs and actions. This rite has changed due to many factors, be they social, cultural and historical. Another factor that has certainly influenced the practice of rituals in the realm of death rite was the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, families were obliged to adhere to all the rules set by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kosovo. The COVID-19 pandemic that gripped the entire globe had brought fear of the unknown, sadness from numerous and unexpected deaths. Humanity found before all this “unknown”, was obliged to act according to the rules established by the respective leaders of their states. In this way, they were forced to change the ritual practices of different cultures, this was the case with the Republic of Kosovo as well. In our culture, the rite of death has a special importance, as it is respectful of some of the traditions, especially the day of burial and the expression of condolences. For this reason, besides the great pain for the loss of their closest relatives, the absence at the funeral, and the lack of presence for the days of condolences in the family is the greatest regret for those who have lost their loved ones. In this paper, through the narrations of some family members who were the subject of our research, we will bring forward some cases of death during the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, we will address (explore) the actions and experiences of the family members after the loss of their loved ones. Analyzing these cases, we will try to find out how the rules set during the pandemic have affected the practice of rituals, both religious and traditional ones.

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