Burying the dead (literally)
On Monday I helped my wife, her family, and their friends bury her brother, Nathan. Literally. As in, getting busy with a shovel.
Nathan was Jewish, and one of the parts of Jewish funeral tradition is to cover the casket with earth. This was an unusual experience for me as I am not Jewish and have not suffered the loss of a Jewish friend or relative before now.
Outside of this tradition most funeral providers have stopped the practice of lowering the coffin into the grave as part of the ceremony. The explanation is it's too overwhelming for the bereaved. Of course it's a stock scene in TV and movies, but that's the point-- it's such a powerful emotional beat.
I understand that thought but I do admire the tradition of hefting a shovel. It asks us to move beyond our own grief and engage as participants, rather than spectators, in the process. It helps give us closure as we help provide closure.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Our loved ones return us to the earth.
Nathan was Jewish, and one of the parts of Jewish funeral tradition is to cover the casket with earth. This was an unusual experience for me as I am not Jewish and have not suffered the loss of a Jewish friend or relative before now.
Outside of this tradition most funeral providers have stopped the practice of lowering the coffin into the grave as part of the ceremony. The explanation is it's too overwhelming for the bereaved. Of course it's a stock scene in TV and movies, but that's the point-- it's such a powerful emotional beat.
I understand that thought but I do admire the tradition of hefting a shovel. It asks us to move beyond our own grief and engage as participants, rather than spectators, in the process. It helps give us closure as we help provide closure.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Our loved ones return us to the earth.