For many around the world, death represents a passage from this life to the next. It is also seen as an opportunity to celebrate the life of a deceased loved one. No matter how you choose to celebrate your loved one's remarkable life, honoring their memory can be an important aspect of your healing journey.
Celebrations-of-life are just that: a time people come together more to celebrate the unique personality and achievements of the deceased than to merely witness or mark the change in their social status.
Many of us see the anniversary of a passing as a suitable time to remember those we have lost. Some may head to church or light a candle in memory, but there is no formal tradition of celebration on the date of a death in our culture.
Most commonly, an end-of-life ceremony will be called a “funeral,” a “memorial service,” or a “celebration of life.” All of these terms refer to the ritual of gathering family and friends together after a loved one has died.
The first death anniversary is called a barsy, from the word baras, meaning year in Hindi. Shraadh means to give with devotion or to offer one's respect.
A memorial service or celebration of life can be held any time after death. You may choose to make arrangements immediately, though it is also acceptable to wait several weeks or even months.
Celebrating their birthday instead may be a good option. It gives you a chance to remember amazing memories without having a day associated to the time they were taken away from you. Again, each person is different, and some may not feel right If they do not acknowledge the day they died.
Although the loss of a loved one is sad, honoring the deceased and paying respects allows us to celebrate a life well lived and share the deceased's story. Rather than mourning over the loss, families can celebrate a life filled with love, happiness and long-lasting memories.
Once the funeral is over, the person may feel isolated and alone in the grief. The flood of people is replaced by the emptiness, mundane duties and the ongoing task of sorting through paperwork and possessions. For many who grieve, the days after the funeral are exponentially more difficult than the funeral itself.
Some pagan traditions believe that the soul of a recently deceased person continues to wander the earth for forty days; other religious traditions believe the soul will rest in the Lord's hands after death. The number 40 is often used in many spiritual traditions, but the specific reason is unknown.
3-5 days after death — the body starts to bloat and blood-containing foam leaks from the mouth and nose. 8-10 days after death — the body turns from green to red as the blood decomposes and the organs in the abdomen accumulate gas. Several weeks after death — nails and teeth fall out.
Black putrefaction (10-20 days after death) – exposed skin turns black, bloating collapses and fluids are released from the body. Butyric fermentation (20-50 days after death) – the remaining flesh is removed, butyric acid is formed "fermenting" the remains and the body begins to mold if in contact with the ground.
15. “I know I won't see you today, but I hope you have a wonderful birthday even though you're going through so much pain.” While it's challenging to find the words to express hope while a friend is experiencing great sadness, it'd be inappropriate not to acknowledge the apparent hurdle they're facing.
Whether you recently lost a loved one or they passed away a few years ago, whenever their birthday rolls around it can be a particularly difficult day. Writing them a card with happy heavenly birthday wishes can be a great way to help make you feel closer them or serve as a way to celebrate their life.
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it!” The Good News: God created mankind and the Earth, so we owe him our utmost gratitude! Rejoice for another year of birth and give up a prayer of thanks.
You can write a list of 3 things they love to do, or talk about. So pick one, and, at a random date away from their birthday, suggest you share some time with them doing that activity. It could be anything — a walk on the beach, a trip to their favourite pub or coffee shop, a re-watch of a film they love.
Honoring a loved one's life after death recognizes the impact he or she had on the lives of others through their family, work and community involvement. In gathering to honor a life, we learn about the ways in which our loved one shaped the lives of others.
It is customary to show your respects by viewing the deceased if the body is present and the casket is open. You may wish to say a silent prayer for, or meditate about, the deceased at this time. In some cases the family may escort you to the casket.