Funeral Food
currentpub.com
currentpub.com
I have fond memories of those social events.
phrasing might need a little work.
> to celebrate the person that passed
It is clearly written that such celebrations are for the person who has passed.
It isn't even implicit: It's literally spelled out, in very plain English, what the purpose of these celebration are.
> I hope people get together and celebrate when I die.
Here, it is clearly written that the author hopes that people will perform such a celebration for him when he does eventually die.
Not because he is dead, but because he has lived. That's what celebrating a person means.
I told my wife, that if I die before her, to cheap out on the coffin and the tombstone and to spend the money on a fine meal instead.
As for the food itself - it's nothing special, you pick your menu.
My wife's family is also German, but they are Catholic, from another part of the state and their funeral food is pretty good too.
Would definitely encourage you to ask them about what they made and how. Pick up the skills and insist that your own friends and family are treated to the best food at any future funerals you attend. That's the best way to ensue someone will do the same for you, even if the elder women have themselves died by that point.
I lost one of my parents through cancer. There are times I wished they were shot in the alley because at least I'd have someone to be angry at.
Alas my faith determines that it was the parts we play as the world is a stage.
I cope by playing my part. I speak fondly. I forgive and learned to be content with the lack of answers. The if only had to stop. I can't stop every poor choice, bad action, or accident.
Hopefully that helps. The violence done to me in my past didn't lead to death. After about 15 years I was able to forgive my bullies and random people who harmed me for my skin color and faith.
It's also IIRC a pre-christian greek tradition so it's super interesting and cool how it came to be so widespread.
But again not unrelated traditions but having had exposure to both southern US and eastern orthodox cultures they feel very different in meaning.
Not where I'm from and the range of the tradition extends beyond both Greece and the Balkans.
Edit: although that does make me wonder if the idea of strictly-at-the-actual-funeral funeral food has been sufficiently explored. e.g. dancing pallbearers with coffin but the top of the coffin is also a sushi boat and/or salad bar.
Usually, but not always, only the family would go to the graveside for a short service and prayer.
I hope when I go, my friends and family have a good time together.
It made me think about community and priorities. Obviously not everyone needs to get together from all the distinct friend groups, but more gatherings of people who are important to you sounds like something I need to generally strive for.
Without the party afterward? Most of the funerals I've been to here in the Eastern US involve feeling sad during the service and/or burial, and then a reception afterward where the mood lightens and you have a good time celebrating the person.
Brains are weird.
It's a beautiful day, I think I'll go outside and get some fresh air now :)
It's a way to express love and sympathy in a very practical, nourishing manner. I hope it never goes away.