Honor Rites are valuable in helping the bereaved begin the journey of adjusting to the death of their loved one.
The Honor Rites does at least 7 critical things to the bereaved:
1.) Provides an opportunity to Honor the deceased. Performing Honor Rites requires the bereaved to stop all activities and dedicate time to the dead. The dedicated time in itself is an expression of Honor.
2.) Provides a safe space to receive social support. Honor Rites provide a socially accepted atmosphere for the bereaved to express and communicate their feelings to Family, friends, and colleagues.
3.) Allows the bereaved to witness and confirm the death. Seeing the dead by performing Honor Rites can be the key to beginning your grief journey; it is the first step in avoiding death denial.
4.) Allows the bereaved to reflect on the relationship with the deceased. When the bereaved performs Honor Rites, they stir memories and emotions; these emotions are elemental to being able to process grief over the coming weeks, months, and years.
5.) Honor Rites, Provide a safe space for expression through rituals. Some feelings are too raw and confusing to express in words; honor Rites are a way to translate these feelings into action and create memories.
6.) Provides a safe space to begin or complete any unfinished business. When death happens, you still have an opportunity to conclude any unfinished business with the deceased. You can read a poem, write a letter and tell the decedent what you did not have the opportunity or courage to say while they were alive. When you complete unfinished business, you take a crucial step towards healing any hurt, regret, love, unanswered questions, and confusion from the relationship.
7.) Honor Rites Provides awareness of life and death. Death is a basis for a new life. Even with its challenges and loss, it can be a source of courage, hope, and renewal. Death can motivate you to learn from others and be inspired to live an Honorable life.
Bereaved Pledge
Today I will be gentle with myself. I enter the road towards healing; I remember the past and embrace the life to come.
Supporter’s Pledge
Today I will be gentle with myself. I take time to engage with mortality. I will be ready to assist others and make informed decisions when faced with death.
