Funerals have always been a way for people to say goodbye and celebrate the lives of those no longer with us. In recent years, there has been a clear shift away from traditional ceremonies towards more
sustainable, personalised services and technology has also caused this change. In this blog we are going to explore the changing trends in funerals, focusing on how modern society is changing end-of-life ceremonies in a way that is more personal.
The Rise of Personalised Funerals
It is no longer the norm to follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all funeral service, and there is a growing need to have funeral services that reflect the life of the deceased. Traditional, sombre ceremonies are a thing of the past.
The main change is funerals becoming celebrations of the life of the deceased, rather than a sad occasion. They focus on remembering their achievements and passions, and how they shaped the people around them. Celebrations of life usually incorporate music and storytelling to showcase the journey the deceased took.
Even traditional venues are becoming a thing of the past, and we are seeing fewer funerals being carried out at churches and funeral homes. Gardens, beaches and community centres are considered suitable venues for funerals nowadays.
Eco-Friendly Funerals
Sustainability and having an environmentally friendly send-off is at the forefront of lots of people's minds. As we are all becoming more aware of our environmental impact, there is a big switch towards more eco-friendly and ‘green’ funerals.
Green burials are becoming more popular. This is where the body is placed in a biodegradable coffin and not embalmed with chemicals that can harm the environment. The burial site is often a natural setting, so the body can decompose and return to the earth.
Cremation has always been a popular choice, but as people are beginning to realise how much energy this uses and the greenhouse gases it produces, alternatives are being sought. Water cremation (the use of water, heat and alkaline chemicals to break down the body) is a much more eco-friendly alternative, increasing in popularity.
Technological Integration
Technology is changing so much of our everyday lives, and funerals are no exception. Covid-19 triggered the start of funeral services being live streamed, so everyone could say their goodbyes from afar. Virtual funerals have started to increase in popularity as it means participants can share memories and support each other without having to physically be in the same room.
Digital memories have also become a new way to honour the deceased. Social media has become a platform where people can post on the timelines of those no longer with us and keep their memories
alive. Memorial websites are also increasing in popularity as loved ones can share memories and photos as regularly as they wish.
Digital keepsakes are also being created more these days, and span from digital photo frames to interactive memorials. They are a modern way to keep the memory of a loved one alive.
Alternative Commemoration
Traditional burials and cremation are no longer the only options for commemorating the deceased, a lot more practices have emerged including:
· Memorial jewellery: this is a lovely way to keep connected to the deceased daily. Ashes can be incorporated into pendants, rings or bracelets.
· Ash scattering: if the deceased had a strong connection to a particular place, their ashes can be scattered there rather than just in a crematorium.
· Memorial events: instead of, or in addition to a normal funeral, some families organise memorial events that reflect the life of the deceased. They provide an opportunity for family and friends to come together in a personal setting.
The changing trends in funerals are definitely causing a shift towards a more personalised service, as well as factoring in the environment. For more information on how here at Threadgold Funeral Directors we can provide a truly bespoke send-off for your loved one, contact our team today.
