Comments on: In celebration of life

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:38:08 +0000

I thought that was something just made up by unfit people/heavy smokers to justify why they should remain as they are??????

Again, I’m pretty sure that your uncle was one of those ‘exceptions’ and that most fairly fit, non-smokers live longer than us unfit, full-time smokers

By: Lola

Lola — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:06:11 +0000

Usually people who are fit (or sort of), don’t smoke and eat well die earlier than heavy smokers!!
It’s true… my uncle (former soccer player) had almost a heart attack when he was 58 (didn’t smoke, was very fit etc.).

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:04:49 +0000

Hi Lola,

Yes, I can see what you mean. It makes sense even if I prefer the idea of the ‘celebration’ afterwards. We definitely see death as a more public event, I think – well, the funeral, rather than death itself, I suppose.

Yes, the party includes food (although not necessarily good food hahaha) but the British only eat food so that they don’t get drunk so fast

You will probably live until you’re 100 or more. After all, you keep fit, don’t smoke, etc., etc.

Thanks for the explanation though. I’m going to learn more about the funeral this week, apparently.

By: Lola

Lola — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:32:42 +0000

Ciao,

a very interesting and complex topic indeed.

I think it’s a matter of cultural framework. One is supposed to cry and mourn here, the very idea of a party seems disrespectful. I think religion plays a big role too. The Catholic church in Italy is quite “strict” -as you may have noticed – when it comes to ceremonies. The funeral is OK, all the rest is not really needed or necessary, if you can see what I mean.

Also, death is considered a sort of private event so one does not throw up a party but rather mourn with family relatives and very close friends. The house is open -so to speak- only to family ties or strong ties outside the family “network”.

However, I would love a life celebration after my funeral! I’m pretty sure it’s not going to happen as I am certain that I won’t live long and my family & friends won’t be in the mood to organize a small party

I don’t know if the American way of dealing with death is similar to yours, but one thing I like of the American tradition is eating together after a funeral. I’d like people eating very good food and drinking wine, tasting “my” lost life through food.