If you or someone you know has lost a loved one recently, it’s often difficult to find where or who to turn to. Memorial keepsakes have been around for centuries, as they embody the memory and spirit of a loved one in a form of art that will last for years to come. Personal significance and forms of respect vary from culture to culture, religion to religion. Below I’ll talk about the history of loss throughout the Western world, cultural mourning, burial services and memorial keepsakes.
History Of Loss
Mourning jewelry and ash keepsakes have been around for many centuries. The earliest examples of mourning jewelry were discovered around the 16th century, but the most common association in the West is with the Victorian Era. Recent technological advances in that time period allowed the mass production of mourning jewelry, making it more affordable for the working-class. Different kinds of keepsakes included ash necklaces and other forms of ash cremation jewelry. Cremation was also widely practiced in the Roman Empire, dating back to 27 B.C. to 395 A.D., and cremated remains were often stored in urns.
Loss In America
Some choose to scatter their loved ones ashes, finding a beautiful location that was emotionally significant to them for their final resting place. Others choose to find an urn to stay by their side. While these forms of mourning are well-established in America, other cultures may choose to show their respects in different ways. Certain Chinese cultures write poems to pay their respects, while some Japanese customs involve creating a shrine to honor the dead. Cultures may differ in their methods and rituals, but they are all valid ways of respecting and mourning loved ones who have passed away.
Burial Urns And Cremation Services
Finding the right burial urn is a personal decision that takes time. While many American coffins are made out of steel, a natural burial in a biodegradable cremation urns or coffins reduces carbon emissions at around 50% compared to the standard. As such, green burials are less costly than traditional ones. No matter your culture, personal choice or religion, the service and keepsakes you choose to honor your loved one are valid.
