The
Cemetery Registry's What is Memorialization?
The Cemetery Registry
from The Final Arrangements Network
Tips and Information about Memorializing a loved one after the Death and Funeral. The long term decisions a family faces when memorializing.
WHAT IS MEMORIALIZATION?
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Memorialization is the remembrance a loved one either through a formal or informal ceremony. Sometimes it is a just a short moment of silence on special occasions--such as a birthday or an anniversary. Other times, it can include special remembrance items, such as jewelry, trees, books, collections, etc. Each family will determine what may be helpful and important in remembering that special person who has left a void. Memorialization can also means personalization. Just as each one of us is unique during our lives, at the time of death that difference should be remembered and celebrated. Families have the opportunity to create a ceremony that acknowledges how important the loved one was within their lives and within the community. In the past, funeral services were often dictated often by religious ritual and distinct traditions--viewing's, wakes, church services, burials, etc.. These traditions in ceremony served as a way for us to acknowledge a persons death in a prescribed fashion. Today, families are able to choose between traditional services, creating a completely personalized service--or combining the best of both. In particular, family members and friends are taking part in the formal services by offering either poems, readings, and or music. Displaying collages of photos and mementos that were special to the deceased can be very comforting. Personalizing items of remembrance such as memorial folders with favorite passages, hymns, epitaphs or writings has become significantly important. Creating just that “special moment” during the formal service--such as releasing balloons, doves, or lighting candles, can be comforting. Sharing ones memories is always appreciated as well. Most funeral homes and clergy are very willing to help families explore their options. The more involved that grieving families and friends participate in the memorialization process, the closer they will be to healing. The death of a loved one is not something to sit back and watch as it happens around us. It is a life event, much like a birth or marriage. To fully participate is to bring meaning to the loss. "What we keep in memory is ours forever". |
