National days are dedicated to honour and remember the dead in countries round the globe. Rituals observed closer to home, say the death care professionals at Richmond-based, Can-Trust-Funeral, can help individuals who come from those traditions to heal after funeral services in Vancouver or cremations, graveside funeral services or memorials throughout the Lower Mainland, too.
Public memorial and death related experiences on a national scale
You may have heard of Mexico’s Día de Muertos a holiday that honors the dead and is so renowned that it is celebrated well beyond its borders.
This month of November is when many countries have a national day for families and friends to gather in tribute to their deceased loved ones. They days often include festivities, with plenty of colour, loud music and food and then allow for quiet, private reflection and remembering,
A few examples of how entire countries observe remembrance of funeral services are:
Brazil’s Dia de Finados, is far less a pagan influenced celebration and is a Catholic holiday. Mass is shared in the community and then private reflections are in effect
Ecuador has its Día de Todos los Santos and Philippines’ All Saints’ Day is named similarly, but has in addition to feasting, travel by Filipinos back to their homes.
National rituals in Asia, Europe and South America observed on a dedicated day may include time to tidy up cemeteries, place flowers on graves and light candles in honor of their relatives who have passed on. One of these is Chingming, or Tomb Sweeping Day, to venerate the dead in China, in the spring. Graves are cleaned off and only cold foods are served yet the tradition also greets the oncoming springtime.
Guatemalans fly huge, colourful and extravagant kites painted by hand and prepared months in advance.
Haitians funeral rituals revolve around singing, dancing, drinking and sacrifices that take place close to the cemeteries and recall both the powers of death and fertility.
Halloween in the USA and Samhain in Ireland occur at the end of October. Like at other celebrations skeletons, torches, outdoor activity and feasting focus on the community’s sharing in the remembrance.
Close to home, Can Trust’s funeral directors have observed personal rituals drawn from the Lower Mainland citizens’ countries of origin.
Examples of some personal choices are:
- Offerings at funerals in Surrey
- Touching comments at cremations for New Westminster family members who passed
- Candles lit at celebrations of life in Burnaby
- Memorial cards to hold as a keepsake at funeral services in Richmond
- Flowers in the sanctuary or strewn onto caskets at funerals in Vancouver
Funeral Directors working with families in Richmond, Steveston, Vancouver, or in planning funerals in Burnaby, funeral services in Surrey and funeral services in New Westminster help families create the meaningful rituals to connect and together to face the reality of the death.
Can-Trust’s funeral directors offer families caring guidance on all options in the Lower Mainland community. We provide reliable, straightforward and affordable service, and with compassion, always.
Before you engage with any funeral homes, please call Can-Trust-Funeral at 604-376-7975 or email to book a free professional consultation. You are never obligated.
Our Can-Trust team of licensed funeral directors, provides funeral services in Burnaby, funeral services in Richmond, funeral services in Vancouver and throughout the Lower Mainland.
Phone: 604-376-7975
E-mail: can-trust-funeral@outlook.com
WeChat: Cantrustfuneral
Learn more at Can-Trust-Funerals Ltd. website
