Introduction
I was wondering if when a new life comes into being, it is celebrated universally, then why isn’t death celebrated or honored?
It is a natural part of the cycle of life and should be acknowledged and honored in a respectful and meaningful way.
So, I did some digging and found out to my surprise that there are several cultures where death is not mourned but celebrated or honored.
Celebration of Life and Death
Some cultures and traditions that celebrate death include:
- Day of the Dead (Mexico) – A holiday that honors deceased loved ones, with colorful altars and offerings to the dead, as well as parades and parties.
- All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Catholic) – A two-day holiday that commemorates the dead and encourages people to pray for the souls of their loved ones.
- Obon (Japan) – A Buddhist festival that honors the spirits of ancestors, with traditional dances, music, and offerings to the dead.
- Ching Ming Festival (China) – A traditional Chinese festival that honors deceased ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning and tending to them, and offering food and incense.
- Ganges Festival (India) – A Hindu festival that honors the dead by releasing their ashes into the Ganges River, and praying for their souls.
- Funeral Celebrations (Africa) – Many African cultures celebrate death by holding large funerals that include music, dancing, and traditional rituals to honor the deceased.
Why Death Should be Celebrated
Death is an integral part of life and should be celebrated and honored just as life is celebrated. It marks the end of one’s life journey and serves as a reminder of their life’s purpose.
Celebrating death can also bring closure and comfort to those left behind, allowing them to grieve and remember their loved ones positively and upliftingly.
Takeaway
In conclusion, death should not be feared or mourned, but celebrated and honored. Although it is much easier said than done. We are not bulletproof. We have emotions and emotions make us helpless sometimes. But, once we understand that death is a part of life, an inseparable and unavoidable part of life then we start accepting it. This will lead us to become comfortable with it gradually.
