ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Death wail

The death wail is a loud cry or scream that some people make when they are very sad or upset. It can happen when someone is really grieving over the loss of a loved one, or when they are feeling overwhelmed by a difficult situation.

Just like when you get hurt and you cry really loudly, some people feel like they need to make a loud noise to let out all of their sadness and frustration. The death wail is like that, but it's a way for grown-ups to express their emotions when they're feeling really, really sad.

Sometimes people in different cultures have different ways of expressing their emotions when someone dies. In some cultures, the death wail is seen as a way to honor the person who has passed away and show how much they loved and cared for them. In other cultures, it might be seen as a way to release all of the pain and sadness from their heart, so they can start to heal.

So, think of the death wail like a really loud cry that some grown-ups make when they're feeling very, very sad. It's a way for them to express their emotions and let out all of their pain and grief.
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