It's Time to Take the "Fun" Out of Funeral | Lance Cox | TEDxSpokane

Industry Trends & Historical Context - The funeral industry has shifted from family-led care to professional services, with furniture makers evolving into undertakers and embalmers [1] - Embalming, popularized during the Civil War, led to public displays of the deceased, exemplified by Abraham Lincoln's funeral train covering approximately 2575 kilometers (1600 miles) across 13 cities [1] - Modern society's discomfort with death has led to euphemisms and avoidance of traditional mourning practices [1][2] Shift in Funeral Practices - Memorial services are replacing funerals, with a decreased emphasis on viewing the body and an increased focus on "celebrations of life" [1] - The industry expresses concern that avoiding the reality of death hinders the grieving process and the recognition of loss [1] - The concept of "closure" is identified as a myth, as grief is an ongoing process of adapting to a world without the deceased [1] Recommendations for Mourning - The industry suggests actively engaging with the deceased, even if viewing is limited, through touch, scent, or keepsakes [2] - Mourning is defined as the outward expression of grief, and its validation is crucial for healthy grieving [2] - Encourages open and honest sharing of feelings and memories with others who are grieving, moving away from superficial gatherings [2]