Celebrating the life of a loved one may be easier on the bereaved and bring more closure than a traditional funeral service can. Consider a few ways to honor the life of a loved one who has passed away to remember them in a positive way rather than a painful one. There are plenty of ways to achieve this positive and healing atmosphere, and you can decide on a celebration that best represents those who have passed.
An Event at a Meaningful Location
Choose a place where your loved one enjoyed going or spend a great deal of time. This can either be their family home, a restaurant they loved, or their favorite spot at a park. Having a celebration at a place your loved one cherished can give special meaning to the day’s events.
Positive Emotions
Going somewhere they loved can change the mood of the occasion because it is a more significant space that holds special memories of your loved one.
A Hawaiian Sendoff
A unique and different way to celebrate the life of a loved one is through the giving and releasing of Hawaiian leis. A lei holds significant cultural meaning on the Hawaiian islands and can symbolize many things, but one thing it symbolizes is honor. These floral leis are given to the bereaved as a sign of honor for the one who has passed and a symbol of condolence to the family and friends mourning them.
Releasing the Lei
After the ceremony, the leis are traditionally unstrung, and the flowers are released back into nature, whether into the ocean or scattered across a field. The meaning of releasing the lei can be a final goodbye to the loved one who has passed on.
Establish a Memorial
A memorial can be private, such as a picture collage within the home, or something more public, like a section of a building or trees dedicated to their honor. Memorials can take many different forms, whether it be a painting, a garden, or just a collection of objects that your loved one cherished.
A Sense of Togetherness
Through memorials, you and others can better cope with the loss by knowing that there is still a physical presence of your loved one’s memory. You can turn to the memorial as a reminder of their life whenever you miss them.
The Choice Is Up To You
However you decide to honor your loved one, know that the choice is up to you. Do not feel pressured to choose any one ceremony over the other. Pick whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and what you think will bring about the most closure.