Funerals have been with us since practically forever. Archaeologists are always digging up evidence that even our Neanderthal ancestors were holding some kind of burial rituals. But funerals have gone through more changes than a chameleon in a paint shop. Across the ages, religions, and cultures, they’ve taken on all sorts of forms.
The image that probably springs to mind is a rather sombre affair. Lots of black clothing and hushed whispers. Except, that’s not quite the reality anymore. Thanks to a perfect storm of the pandemic, the cost of living squeeze, and a general shift away from tradition, funerals are undergoing a bit of a revolution. It looks like funerals are becoming less about mourning and more about celebrating a life lived.
Addressing The Rising Cost of Funerals
Of course, death has never been cheap. But these days, it seems to be getting more expensive by the minute. Funerals costs have gone through the roof in the last couple of decades, expecially the cost of gravestones, land, and the funeral service. It turns out that securing a little plot of land for eternity is a pricey business. No wonder people are starting to rethink the whole concept of traditional funerals. After all, who wants to leave their loved ones with a hefty bill on top of their grief?
Some people even decide to skip the whole funeral service altogether. They refer to it as direct cremation. No fuss, no ceremony, just straight to the crematorium. It might seem a bit drastic, but it’s an option that attracts more and more people. Money worries are definitely a factor, of course. But tightening the purse strings isn’t the only reason behind this trend.
The pandemic has a lot to do with it. Direct cremations became much more common, and that trend hasn’t gone away even though we can all gather again. A traditional funeral just doesn’t feel necessary for some people.
Speaking of the pandemic, remember those Zoom funerals? Live-streaming funerals isn’t actually a new thing. It’s been around for ages, but COVID definitely pushed it into the mainstream. And it makes complete sense. No need to travel miles, take time off work, or worry about finding a babysitter. You can pay your respects from anywhere in the world.
Natural Burials
More and more people are also considering the impact their funeral will have on the planet. Do they really want to be buried in a fancy coffin that takes decades to decompose? Not to mention the huge cost in natural stone headstones.
Natural burials are becoming a popular alternative. Wicker coffins, woodland settings, and trees planted in memory of the deceased are steadily becoming norms. It’s a way of returning to nature and leaving a lasting legacy. And who wouldn’t want to be remembered with a beautiful cherry tree blossoming in their name?
Water Cremation
Have you ever heard of water cremation? It’s actually a much gentler process than traditional cremation, and far kinder to the planet. Basically, the body is placed in a special container with water and a bit of potassium hydroxide. And then nature takes its course, just at a much faster pace. What’s left is a white powder, similar to ash, which can be returned to the family.
Major funeral providers gear up to launch water cremation trials, and they’re working with the government to get the legal side sorted. This marks the biggest shift for the funeral industry in a long time, which hasn’t seen a shake-up like this since cremation was first introduced way back in 1902.
Living Funerals
Living funerals are exactly what it sounds like—a gathering to celebrate someone’s life while they’re still, well, living. It might seem a bit morbid or maybe just a bit awkward, but it can be a really meaningful experience for people with terminal illnesses.
In such a setup, you get to hear firsthand all the lovely things people have to say about you. You get to be in the room, share stories, and connect with loved ones in a really profound way.
It’s a far cry from the Victorian idea of funerals, where the focus was all on praying for the deceased’s soul. These days, it’s much more about celebrating a life lived and making the most of the time that’s left.
It might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely a sign that funerals are changing and becoming more personalized. It’s about making the most of the time we have and saying goodbye in a way that feels meaningful.
Digital Cloning
Now, for something completely different. Futuristic technology has found its way to the funeral industry. You might have seen Kanye West gifting Kim Kardashian a hologram of her late father. That kind of technology is already available for funerals. It’s called digital cloning, and it allows you to recreate a deceased loved one, so they can, in a way, attend their own funeral.
The whole thing started with a project to preserve the stories of Holocaust survivors. But the creators soon realized that this technology could be used to capture anyone’s memories and personality.
Many consider it eerie, but families who have used this technology say it’s actually quite comforting. It allows them to capture the essence and humanness of their loved one.
Final Thoughts
Funerals are no longer the stiff, somber affairs they used to be. We’re loosening our ties and embracing new ways to say goodbye. It’s fascinating to think that funerals are becoming more personal, more meaningful, and even a bit more fun. Many people seem to be leaning towards the reality that a send-off should be a celebration of a life lived, not just a mourning of a life lost.
