Is changing funeral tradition morbid or tabu?

[cstreet]

I pose this question because funerals have always been something that would bring a dark shadow over a persons life. Although that will always be the case (shadow) should it be more about what they did while living or should we go on allowing the minister to give words of praise even though they may have never known the person who has passed.

Its not a question about religion, but more about life celebration and what we should do about our passing while living. Like why do we not save for our funerals (in general) I mean at some point we all have our turns right?

[terrykohla]

The question I've always asked myself is: why is it that of all living things, we humans are the only ones that don't get dissolved back into the ecosystem once we die?

At least not in a natural way, some people get cremated others get put into a box. Why not get buried naked and plant a tree that will feed off of a soil enriched by the decomposition of your body? A tree representing the continuity of life where your loved ones can gather and remember you rather than a stone with engraving on it.

[cstreet]

I have never looked at human passage in that way. One point for this website in bring that to light. Other than the risk of infectious disease I do see and agree with your point @terrykohla. The problem them becomes what, a forest full of "trees of life"! And the laws that would be birthed from foresters wanting to cut trees down for profit would be yet another war or even worse, create the proverbial forest fire. Great gesture, just too many people on the planet to suffice. I'll have to wear this one on the chest and stick with cremation even though there is great merit to your idea. Thanks for your reply.

[joss82]

Good question! Funerals are one thing that prevents some to do away with religion entirely. We haven't found (or looked for) any good substitute yet.

Probably because the issue is so touchy (mixing death and religion, both very touchy subjects).

[cstreet]

Very true @joss82. I propose that we all think about what we want on our own epithet daily. Death is a constant (obviously) and although I do not propose drudging through life preparing for the inevitable, I do support rethinking what our ancestors have passed through to us. We live in a new age where information has occupied the speed of light, so life celebration (or preparing for death) could be revisited, however you so shall choose, that's all I'm saying.