Rituals


Southey, SK. July 2021

My dad passed away at this time 9 years ago. I've stood by my parent's grave site several times over the years. This past summer at the homestead, the siblings decided to walk the 'mile' to the country cemetery. The eight of us+ paraded along the highway and earned a semi-truck salute! Unlike the movies, cemeteries aren't morbid or spooky, at least not during the day. They are calm places that hold an amazing history of our relatives, community and predecessors. 

Travels have brought us to beautiful, unusual cemeteries with ornate or raised tombstones like the Père Lachaise in Paris. It is the final resting place of Jim Morrison of the Doors, celebrity artists and authors, to name a few. In its park-like setting many go to have their lunch or to meditate. Traditionally in Mexico, ancestors are celebrated with colour, music and laughter at least once a year... I think you know the day! Many Asian cultures share daily rituals and offerings at small shrines outside or in the home. We were invited into the home of a jovial restaurant owner in Vietnam. He eagerly showed us the family altar adorned with photos, incense, flowers and food items, and insisted we have a shot of homemade brew to pay respect to generations past ... maybe it was two or three glasses, we lost count!

Do you have a practice for commemorating loved ones? Make a toast or play a special song? We light a candle or share silly stories and photos with family members via email. It warms the heart, and who knows ... maybe theirs, too!   

"Playfulness is not disrespectful, even at a funeral there is still life to live. This is not forever, we are all ticking away to the same place. " ~ Sadhguru

Here's to you dad! 

Comments

  1. AnnetteDecember 13, 2021 at 12:24 PM

    Such a lovely memorial. My mother used to always tell us - Funerals are for the living as those passed are going to a better place - free from suffering, etc. I believe it to this day and know we will all meet in a better place. While on this earth we live the best life that we can so as to have our eternal reward with our Heavenly Father. I'm always so grateful that he is as forgiving as he is :)
    My brother always said, when he passes away he wants people to wear red and have a big party, yap enjoy life and all the great memories.
    Fabulous quote :)

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