Discover the evolution of farewell ceremonies – a positive shift in coping and celebrating life’s journey

In a transformative trend challenging societal taboos surrounding death, living funerals are gaining popularity as individuals seek to confront their own mortality. Sky News digital investigations reporter Megan Harwood-Baynes delves into this phenomenon, exploring the experiences of those who engage in these unconventional ceremonies.

Emily Cross, a death doula, conducts living funerals for both the terminally ill and those merely curious about the service. The ceremonies involve participants lying in coffins, contemplating their own demise through meditation and visualization. The aim is to foster a more open dialogue about death, breaking down the awkwardness that often surrounds the topic.

The report highlights diverse examples of living funerals, such as Kris Hallenga’s “FUNeral,” where the breast cancer charity founder celebrated life with a unique event featuring tequila, personalized coffins, and a eulogy by Dawn French. Another poignant case is that of Robert Hale, an aerospace engineer who organized a living funeral upon learning of his terminal leukemia diagnosis. His event, held at a farm park, drew unexpected crowds and provided an opportunity for him to express his final wishes.

While end-of-life ceremonies have historical roots in various cultures, the living funeral trend takes a modern approach, encouraging individuals to proactively engage with their mortality. In South Korea, the Hyowon Healing Centre introduced free living funerals to address high suicide rates, emphasizing the impact of such experiences on mental well-being.

The report also features Rachel Bass, a Pagan celebrant who, due to a serious heart condition, has contemplated her own mortality throughout her life. Although she hasn’t set a date for her living funeral, Rachel has started planning it, envisioning a gathering with karaoke and a 1970s-style buffet. Her perspective reflects the broader theme of accepting death and alleviating the burden on loved ones.

As living funerals gain momentum, they serve as a unique avenue for individuals to embrace the reality of their mortality, fostering candid conversations and redefining traditional views on death.