I agree. Wearing black gives the occasion the gravity it deserves and, like you said, creates a feeling of unity amongst attendees. I also don't mind a bit of a tradition and ritual in a world where we are beginning to lack that. Thanks for another good video.
Black absorbs energy (white reflects it) so when we wear black to a funeral we absorb energy from everyone around us. This can be helpful or sometimes not so helpful if you are very empathic.
Oh! I never looked at it energetically before. And of course it harmonizes us, and it absorbs the energy, and it shows respect for the Departed. Yes. Thank you as always.
Interesting because in some cultures white is the colour of mourning. But I take agree that it is valuable and necessary to respect the gravity of the occasion.
I guess if I were to attend a funeral in another country or one from a different religion, I would follow suit and wear _their_ color if at all possible. To join in and share _their_ way.
Living in Spain for the past 32 years and hearing heartbreaking stories of widows and adolescent children being forced to wear black because of societal norms back in the day, this may have worked had they been allowed to make their own choices. As a celebrant I do ask families if they have any colour preferences but I must say, I am occasionally surprised to see black being worn.
Interesting, society in the uk seems to be moving away from this and there is more of a focus on celebrating the persons life. Dr Sara Kerr would you suggest that the funeral and celebration of life should be separate events? If so how much time between them please?
I've performed maybe 70 funerals .( minister) I believe it's of Great Value to the key mourners to have space between the death and the celebration of life . And my own family certainly did this extra time , between a tiny family only cremation and then 2 months later a celebration of life. The energy that can be created with time.. Makes it very possible to still be sad,---- But opens up the possibilities to have some funny stories and hearing delightful things about your beloved.
I agree, and actually prefer to do the celebration of life before the person dies, if possible. I talk a lot about this in a free mini-class on Why Funerals Matter. You can learn more about it at sacreddeathcare.com/program/why-funerals-matter/#anchor-1
@gaynoradkins630 didn't the British royal family do something like that? Have the funeral for Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, and a year later a memorial event which was more of a celebration of his life? And then the same for the Queen. So that was a year apart, if I remember correctly. In Jewish practice, there is something called _jahrzeit_ which is on the anniversary of the death- I have to look up again what that would be, though. So a year seems to be about right for many. 🤷
