"Memento Mori" is a Latin phrase that translates to "remember that you will die" or "remember your mortality." It is a reminder that death is inevitable and that one should not become too attached to the material world. This phrase has been used throughout history as a reminder to live life to the fullest and to prioritize what truly matters in life. In art and literature, "memento mori" often appears as a symbolic reminder of death, such as a skull or an hourglass.
Memorializing death means to honour and remember the deceased through various acts or rituals. It is a way to preserve the memory of a loved one who has passed away and to help those who are grieving to find comfort and closure.
These death rites, or rituals and practices surrounding death are constantly evolving and adapting to cultural, social, and religious changes and are increasingly being influenced by technology and the internet, with virtual funerals and online memorialization becoming more common. Depending on cultural and personal preferences. Some common ways to memorialize death include:
Funerals or memorial services
Honours the deceased and bring together friends and family to share memories and pay their respects.
Personal Tributes
Creating a scrapbook, photo album, or video, to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased.
Endowment
Donations to a charity or cause that was important to the deceased as a way to honour their memory and continue their legacy.
Commemoration
Planting a tree or garden, or creating a memorial bench or plaque in honor of the deceased.
Faith and Tradition
Lighting a candle, saying a prayer, performing a ritual in memory of the deceased, or visiting the gravesite or a special place that was important to the deceased.
Memorializing death is an important part of the grieving process, as it allows those who are mourning to remember and honour the person who has passed away. It can also bring comfort and healing by providing a sense of closure and helping to keep the memory of the deceased alive.
Memorials and Monuments:
Remembrance Days
Museum Exhibitions
Media Coverage
Public Arts & Gardens
By preserving the memory of a loved one who has passed away, we can honour their legacy and keep their spirit alive which can be an important part of the grieving process and can help individuals to cope with their loss.
The stages of grief are a series of emotional and psychological responses that people typically experience after experiencing a significant loss. The five stages of grief were first identified by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book "On Death and Dying.":
Denial
In this stage, people often experience shock or disbelief and may have difficulty accepting the reality of the loss. They may feel numb, disoriented, or detached from their emotions.
Anger
In this stage, people may feel a range of emotions, including anger, frustration, and resentment. They may direct their anger towards themselves, others, or even the deceased.
Bargaining
In this stage, people may try to negotiate or bargain with a higher power or with themselves in an attempt to avoid the pain of the loss. They may make promises or seek alternative outcomes.
Depression
In this stage, people may experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness. They may withdraw from social interactions and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Acceptance
In this stage, people begin to come to terms with the loss and start to accept the reality of their situation. They may find ways to adjust to their new reality and find meaning in their experience.
It's important to note that these stages are not necessarily linear, and not everyone experiences all of them. Grief is a highly individual experience, and people may move back and forth between stages or experience them in a different order. Additionally, the intensity and duration of grief can vary widely from person to person.