title: [The existential game and the ritualization of death].
abstract: This reflection approaches the fear of death that has accompanied human existence from its dawn. Humans are the only living beings who know about death, which makes them anticipate this fear by turning it into a companion for life. In order to reduce this "deadly anguish", mankind has had to negotiate with death over time, as a way of confronting this fear. This understanding becomes important since we are nursing professionals who, in our daily work, deliver care to the human being in the process of dying.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. roseney@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Roseney
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bellato
authors.forename: Emília Campos
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: de Carvalho
mesh_terms: D001293:Attitude to Death; D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D003643:Death; D006801:Humans