Mourning Work in Urn Construction - Cemetery Culture in Transition - Cremation Rise in NRW: Families Opt for Personalized Urns and Unique Disposal
In North Rhine-Westphalia, a shift in burial practices has seen a rise in cremation and urn interments, with around 80 percent of people choosing this option. This change has led to an increase in unique and personalized ways of handling and disposing of ashes.
An elderly woman from the Ruhr region passed away, and her family chose to honour her memory with a personalized urn. Her son and grandson collaborated with artist Jessica Toliver to create a unique piece using materials significant to the deceased's life. This process served as a 'shared journey of farewell' for the grieving family, providing solace and helping them cope with their loss.
The 'Native Earth' urn, as it was named, is an example of the growing demand for modern, eco-friendly urns that reflect individual taste. This trend is not only seen in North Rhine-Westphalia but also in neighbouring Rhineland-Palatinate, where legislation allows ashes to be divided for jewelry, urns to be kept at home, or remains to be scattered in rivers with written consent.
While North Rhine-Westphalia has no plans to reform burial laws, some flexibility exists for burying or scattering ashes in a public garden under specific conditions. This flexibility reflects the changing attitudes towards burial practices, with only 11 percent of people still desiring a traditional coffin burial in a cemetery.
The rise in cremation and the increasing demand for personalized urns and unique ways of handling ashes reflect a shift in societal attitudes towards death and mourning. Art, as seen in the creation of the 'Native Earth' urn, can play a significant role in the grieving process, providing a means for families to honour their loved ones and find solace in their loss.
