Tag Archives: Mourning

An Occupation of Loss: Installation Featuring Professional Mourners From Around the World

Taryn Simon's gathers professional mourners from 15 different countries

In September 2016, an installation opened at the Armory Arts Center in New York that explored the cultural multiplicities of grief as expressed in different countries, from Ecuador to Ghana to Burkina Faso to Cambodia. For the installation, “An Occupation … Continue reading

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Funeral and Burial Practices in Liberia

Even during the Ebola outbreak, Liberians insisted on proper burials for their loved ones

Honoring loved ones who have died is very important for the Liberian people. Though there are many regions in Liberia that have differing customs, there are certain beliefs and practices that are employed by many Liberians across the West African … Continue reading

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“Fireflies” By David Morrell

The story of a father grieving for his son

“Fireflies: A Father’s Tale of Love and Loss” by David Morrell tells the story of David’s grief at the death of his 15-year-old son, Matthew. Six months before the opening scenes of the book, Matthew was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma. A … Continue reading

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Chimpanzees Grieve Death Like Humans

Studies show how chimps grieve and mourn their dead

Chimpanzees are humans’ closest evolutionary relatives. Humans and chimps share roughly 99 percent of our DNA, and chimps display a wide range of emotions. It’s also possible that they mourn and grieve the deaths of relatives like we do. A study published … Continue reading

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“The Living Years” by Mike & The Mechanics

Song reminds us to reconcile with our parents while they're still alive

by Mike & The Mechanics is as potent a reminder as any to make peace with our parents while we still have the benefit of connecting in the embodied world. The singer expresses regret at not having made peace with … Continue reading

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A Intimate Glance Into the Benefits of a Home Funeral

A mother mourns her daughter with a "non-traditional" funeral

Lucia Maya cared for her daughter Elizabeth, diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 21, when she returned to their family home to die. Historically, children often died before their parents largely due to illness and accident. Yet it … Continue reading

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