Why did funerary rites and death taboos protect the living in some Southeastern Native American traditions?

In many Southeastern Native American traditions, funerary rites and death taboos served as essential protections for the living because of the specific spiritual beliefs surrounding the deceased. It was widely held that the souls of the recently departed would linger near their former communities, attempting to entice close friends and relatives to join them in their journey to eternity.1

Furthermore, death was not viewed as a natural occurrence but was instead attributed to the influence of malevolent animal spirits, witches, or the actions of sorcerers. If a death was perceived to be caused by human agents, it was believed that the soul of the deceased would remain restless and potentially dangerous until vengeance was secured by their living relatives. Consequently, elaborate funerary practices and strict taboos were implemented as a necessary means to commemorate the dead while simultaneously safeguarding the community from these spiritual threats. Once the soul was appeased, it was believed to move on to a final resting place.1