Of course there isn't any rational reason for flowers, or food. But somehow i understand if such rituals make it easier to cope with the sadness related to the deaths. I don't know what i'd do, i don't have, fortunately, any experience.
And somehow i think it's a nice habit that in Karelia people gather to eat on the grave. Every community has anyway some habits and rituals that somehow strengthen the collectivity...
I agree that it could be better to spent the money by giving it to them in need (and still better if the society and its structures would change so that there'd be less needy, but it's not exactly about the same thing anymore), but i understand if people don't feel it to be the same when they are missing someone who's dead.
u
04-Apr-2005 20:24
that is exactly why flowers are rather a waste. perahps money would be better spent if given to the needy. but. still. they are, i suppose they are a temporary memorial. i wouldnt bother, myself.
very, different. food and all. but then, we are all different.
I don't know. Maybe they go up from the graves to eat when none sees... I think it's been quite a common habit also in Finland, to remember the dead with food at least at some certain time of the year. Hundreds of years ago.
Or then it is just a way to remember the dead and have some ritual around it - how do the dead see and smell flowers?
