EN
Death occupies a significant place in the Basque worldview. Traditionally it is associated with numerous beliefs and elaborate rituals, while the most important role in funeral ceremonies was performed by woman, who, according to some authors, was an intermediary between the worlds and a priestess of sorts. However, nowadays a perceptible change is taking place in the manner of approaching death, accompanied by the development of new funeral rituals. Another important issue is the exploitation of death in national ideology, as a national symbol and an element which consolidates the group in its aspirations (as manifested in the funerals of radical Basque nationalists).