(ZENIT News / London, 08.06.2024).- Traditional and somber religious funerals are increasingly being replaced by personalized «celebrations of life» in the UK, according to a recent study. These unique farewells, which range from Doctor Who-themed send-offs to glittery coffins and mourners donning football jerseys, reflect a growing desire for individuality in commemorating loved ones.
Funeral directors report a variety of unconventional venue requests, including Hampton Court Palace, betting shops, castles, farms, forests, London buses, fishing clubs, and cricket pavilions. Additionally, pets are more frequently invited to attend their owners’ funerals, underscoring the trend towards more personalized services.
Sentimental items placed in coffins over the past five years include cigarettes, mobile phones, bingo items, and pool cues, according to funeral directors. The study, conducted by Co-op Funeralcare, reveals that 68% of people now believe funerals should be more of a celebration than a time for reflection, up from 58% in 2019.
The research, which draws on data from over 500,000 funerals conducted by Co-op Funeralcare in the past five years, highlights a shift towards more personalized services. Nearly six in ten funeral directors (57%) have noticed an increase in requests for services outside traditional religious settings, while almost half (48%) have attended a funeral in an unconventional location in the past year.
Furthermore, 89% of funeral directors have organized services where mourners were asked to wear the deceased’s favorite color. Seventy-five percent have received requests for pets to attend funerals, and 62% of people surveyed believe it is important for pets to be present at their owner’s service.
Social media usage at funerals is also on the rise, with nearly a third of funeral directors (31%) observing attendees posting during the service, and almost a fifth (18%) noting people taking selfies.
Gill Stewart, Managing Director of Co-op Funeralcare, commented, “Since our previous report in 2019, many factors, including the pandemic, have made people think much more about death and funerals. With this new report, we want to encourage the nation to talk to their loved ones about their funeral wishes, whether it’s making plans or discussing favorite song choices.”
She added, “While it can be overwhelming, knowing or setting plans can help make a difficult time a bit more manageable when the time comes.”
This shift towards personalized funerals reflects a broader change in societal attitudes towards death, highlighting the importance of individual preferences in the final farewell.
Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.
