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Ceremonies for Death & Dying | ldcp --> top of page HOME WORKSHOPS Death: A Rite of Passage Conscious Transitions Walking the Labyrinth of Grief Ayni Energy Processes PROJECTS The No Regrets Project Conscious Caregiving FREE GIFTS Well of Grief Ritual Living With Loss eBook No Regrets Bundle Conscious Caregiving Series Music for Times of Transition BLOG ABOUT Board of Directors Contact Us More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Ceremonies for Death & Dying Ancient traditions accepted death in a different way than we do today. In
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our modern world scientist discover cures for diseases and medical workers perform miracles which prolongs life. While we need and desire these modern inventions, we have lost the ability to accept that death will arrive at our door someday. Ceremonies prepare us to face this rite of passage with courage and grace. Stepping into ceremony during an illness or in the dying process may better prepare us to let go when it is time to do so. Ceremonies before Death There are many ceremonies that can be performed before a
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person dies. Some are very simple: Healing Circle in which a group of friends stops by weekly to offer prayers, songs or simply sit in silence with the dying. Attending the Body can be accomplished by an intimate group that regularly visits to bathe and pamper the body before death. After death they may perform the same ritual to prepare their friend for burial. Celebration of Life is similar to a funeral but is held before the person dies. Making the Coffin can be accomplished with direction from the person
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who is ill. A cardboard box can be obtained from most mortuaries in the case of cremation. Friends may decorate the box to reflect the personality of their loved one. These activities, when held in ceremony with the dying, are ways to support the individual and relieve the loneliness that overwhelms the dying person in a culture that avoids death. Ceremonies after Death There is an enormous variety of funeral practices throughout the world. It is a fascinating topic to research. However, most funerals in our modern world are planned
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quickly by loved ones who are grieving and emotionally exhausted. This is no time to do research. One of the recommended practices of dying consciously is to plan your own funeral or at least give your loved ones a clue as to your preferences or what the sensibilities will be of those expected to attend. The participation of the dying in their own funeral planning gives a more personal touch to the festivities. A successful funeral incorporates the elements of a ceremony: invocation, transformation, closure, and celebration. The element that