A reformatory purpose seems commonly implicit in accounts, though not necessarily for earthly purpose, since return from a near-death experience may reportedly entail individual choice.
Up until the mid-20th century they invariably burned the deceased and all his or her earthly belongings, including the dwelling place, all which was considered spiritually impure.
Headless, without organs or members, it sloughed from its oozy sides, in a slow, ceaseless wave, the amoebic forms that were the archetypes of earthly life.
The sudsy vagabond was accompanied by other homeless men pushing shopping carts laden with their earthly possessions, or enjoying a catnap on a bench alongside a woman enjoying her breakfast.
