An English friend lost a close loved one. A few days after the funeral, he invited us to an event called a “Celebration of Life.” We had a general idea of what it might entail, but I didn’t have all the information.
I turned to Google and started researching. It turns out that, yes, for several years now, this method of honoring a person, known as the Celebration of Life, has become popular among the English (and beyond). Link to a BBC article from 2015 – https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31940529
Celebration of Life is when people remember the LIFE of the departed, not their death.
In other words, the main focus of such an event is the LIFE of the person, not the fact that they have passed away. According to the wishes of the deceased, people essentially throw a party in their honor.
Guests don’t wear black mourning clothes; instead, they wear bright, casual outfits. They play the deceased’s favorite music, watch movies they liked. People can laugh, joke, sing, play musical instruments, light fireworks, and more – all in celebration of the LIFE of the person they are saying goodbye to.
Sorrow and lamentation are not invited to this kind of party.
I know that something similar exists in other cultures around the world. Just think of the Day of the Dead in distant and beautiful Mexico.
Personally, I find the Celebration of Life tradition quite appealing. My Buddhist worldview sees nothing inappropriate in it. It’s quite possible that when I prepare for the inevitable, I will also ask those around me not to suffer, mourn, or grieve, but to celebrate and enjoy LIFE.
What do you think?
