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Symbolic Gestures in Funeral and
Memorial Services
By Kim Gibson
Symbolic gestures in funeral and memorial services are
sometimes used as a final good-bye to their deceased
loved one. These rituals help to honor and pay tribute
to the deceased, as well as help alleviate some of the
pain felt towards losing them. Symbolic gestures do not
require a great deal of money or time, and the resulting
feeling of comfort truly makes the event worthwhile.
There are many different types of symbolic gestures, so
choose one that you feel comfortable with that truly
represents your feelings. Below are some examples of
things you can do to remember your loved one.
Release Doves - Doves represent love, peace, hope,
purity, and innocence. They symbolize the spirit of the
deceased flying towards the skies. Check the Internet to
find a company that rent doves to families for this
purpose.
Release Butterflies -- Butterflies symbolize spirit,
freedom and beauty as they take flight. Check the
Internet to find a company who provide butterflies to
families for this purpose.
Plant a Tree or Garden - This type of symbolic gesture
provides an easy way for multiple people to contribute
to the memorial service. Everyone can feel like they
have played a role in remembering the person's life and
celebrating memories. Looking for the perfect location?
Contact the local Park and Recreation Department to see
about donating a tree to a park.
Distribute Plantable Seed Cards -- You can distribute
plantable seed cards at your funeral or memorials
services. These paper cards have flower seeds embedded
in them, and can be customized with your loved one's
name and a special poem or message. Your guest can plant
the cards later, and be reminded of their loved one when
the flowers bloom.
Make a Wish - Locate a nearby fountain where everyone
can throw a coin in as they make a wish for the person
who has passed away. This type of gesture is easy for
even the youngest children to partake.
Fly Kites - Gather family members and friends together
and fly a kite in memory of the person who has passed.
Who said memorial services couldn't be fun?
Memory Circle - Bring everyone together to a place that
was of special importance to the person who has died.
Have everyone join hands and take turns telling their
favorite memory of the person. The circle creates a
feeling of connectedness.
Name a Star - Dedicate and name a star in memory of
someone who has died. If you want it to be official,
check out http://www.starfoundation.net or http://www.starregistry.com.
Hold the memorial service at night and let everyone find
the dedicated star. This gesture works well with both
adults and children, and every night they can look up at
that special spot and recall memories of your loved one.
Kimberly Gibson is owner of Elegant Memorials Funeral
Program Templates. She also writes and publishes a wide
range of articles in funeral and memorial planning
including funeral songs. |
