This performative ethnography explores the liturgical and narrative symbolism inherent in funerals, focusing on the role of funerals as the ultimate in final stories. The author concludes with an argument for seeing funerals as an opportunity to bridge the liminal space between dead and alive, the sacred and the human, and the sacred and the human.
Funeral rituals serve as a form of symbolic communication, expressing feelings and ideas that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Through the ritual actions of a funeral or memorial, individuals can express their grief, pay their respects, and celebrate the life of the deceased. Funeral rituals reconnect participants with their baptism and spirituality, reminding them of and commending the deceased’s spirit.
The author emphasizes the importance of conducting funeral rites in the presence of the body of the deceased, as this practice is most in accordance with the sacred nature of the body. Incense is used during the funeral rites as a sign of honor to the body of the deceased, which through baptism became the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The ultimate symbol at a funeral is the precious body of a loved one that animated life. Another example is the headstone, a symbol that we can use to express our thoughts and feelings about important events in our lives. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy, honoring the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Autopsies can be used to study the rituals and ritual actions of funerals, providing valuable insights into the cultural communication and significance of funerals.
📹 ⚰️ Funerals: English Terms Explained | English Vocabulary Wordlist LearningEnglishPRO #learnenglish
Welcome back to LearningEnglishPRO! In this thought-provoking video, we’re diving into a vocabulary lesson that’s both insightful …
What are the symbols of a funeral?
In funeral ceremonies, symbols such as the cross, flowers, and candles serve as focal points for mourners, facilitating the comprehension of a challenging reality. These symbols facilitate the articulation of thoughts and feelings, transforming grief into mourning and prompting the search for meaning. Furthermore, they offer solace and adhere to established customs during this challenging period.
What is the purpose and value of the funeral ritual?
Funerals provide numerous therapeutic benefits for the living, as they serve as a rite of passage for the deceased. They help recognize the passing of a loved one, support the newcomer, and reintegrate the deceased into the social group. Many people may feel rushed to end the funeral, believing that not having one will alleviate pain. However, a study by Robert Fulton, Ph. D. from the University of Minnesota, found that those who did not have a traditional funeral or did not view the body or arrange immediate disposition of the remains reported experiencing the most hostility, increased alcohol consumption, increased tension and anxiety, and lower positive recall of the deceased. This was particularly true among male respondents. The study highlights the importance of funerals in helping the living cope with the loss of a loved one.
What does a funeral symbolize?
The funeral ritual is a traditional and symbolic way to express our beliefs and feelings about the death of someone loved. It acknowledges the reality of the death, provides testimony to the deceased’s life, encourages grief in line with cultural values, supports mourners, embraces faith and beliefs about life and death, and offers continuity and hope for the living. However, our mourning-avoiding culture has neglected these crucial purposes.
As a death educator and grief counselor, I am concerned that individuals, families, and society will suffer if we do not reinvest ourselves in the funeral ritual. To teach about the purposes of authentic funeral ceremonies, I suggest framing them in the context of the “reconciliation needs of mourning”.
What is a liturgy ritual?
Liturgy is a public ritual of worship performed by a religious group, particularly Christians, involving activities reflecting praise, thanksgiving, remembrance, supplication, or repentance. It forms a basis for establishing a relationship with God and is a subset of ritual. The term “liturgy” is derived from the ancient Greek term “leitourgia”, meaning “work or service for the people”. The Attic form of “leitos” means “people, public”, and “ergon” means “work, service”. The term is a literal translation of the Attic form of “λαός” (“people, public”) and “ἔργον” (“ergon”), meaning “work, service”.
Is a funeral a death ritual?
The traditions of funerals and memorial practices are religious, cultural, and kinship rituals that mark the death of an individual and offer social support to those who have lost a loved one. These traditions have been observed by humans for centuries.
What is the symbol when someone dies?
The human skull is a common symbol of death in various cultures and religious traditions. Skeletons and non-human animal skeletons can also serve as blunt images of death, as seen in the Grim Reaper, a black-hooded skeleton with a scythe. The skull and crossbones motif has been used as a symbol of piracy and poison. The skull remains the only “recognizable” aspect of a person once they have died.
Decayed cadavers can also be used to depict death, often featured in artistic depictions of the danse macabre or cadaver tombs. Coffins serve as blunt reminders of mortality, symbolizing the wealth and status of the deceased. Less blunt symbols of death often allude to the passage of time and the fragility of life, known as memento mori. Clocks, hourglasses, sundials, and candles both symbolize the passage of time and the hope of salvation. These symbols were often incorporated into vanitas paintings, early still life.
Animals such as crows, cats, owls, moths, vultures, and bats are associated with death, either because they feed on carrion or are nocturnal. Vultures can also represent transformation and renewal.
What is the funeral liturgy?
The Catholic funeral service is a religious ritual that begins with a prayer the day before the death, placing the body in a coffin and taking it to church. The coffin is sprinkled with water to symbolize the deceased’s return to God. The funeral liturgy often includes Holy Communion, a central liturgical service that recalls the last meal of Jesus.
The funeral rite begins with a prayer, followed by a short ceremony in the cemetery where the coffin is committed to the ground. Incense is waved over the coffin, representing prayers being offered to God on behalf of the deceased. The Lord’s Prayer is said, along with prayers for the deceased’s eternal happiness with God. The coffin is then lowered into the ground, and the priest recites the words “ashes to ashes, dust to dust”.
The Catholic funeral service is based on Bible teachings and Christian views on God and the afterlife. It is designed to honor the life of the deceased, commend their soul to God, and provide support to the bereaved. The funeral rite also allows the deceased to be treated with respect, showing that everyone is special to God.
What are symbolic actions at funerals?
Funeral and memorial services often incorporate symbolic gestures such as releasing balloons or doves at the end, symbolizing the soul’s journey towards heavens, and lighting candles to represent the spirit’s enduring light. Cultural and religious beliefs also influence the symbolism used, providing a framework for understanding and expressing grief. For example, in Christian funerals, the cross represents faith, resurrection, and eternal life, while in Hindu ceremonies, the ritual of lighting a lamp symbolizes the illumination of the mind, knowledge, and divine presence.
What is the respectful symbol of death?
The skull and crossbones are universal symbols, frequently utilized as tombstone or burial symbols. Examples of this include the “grim reaper” or other death-personified figures. The cross was a symbol of death for the Romans, and was subsequently adopted by Christians as a symbol of their religion.
What are symbolic rituals?
A ritual is defined as a set of actions, frequently involving the use of words, that are imbued with symbolic meaning. The actions in question may be simple, such as a handshake or a wave, or they may be complex, as exemplified by the Sign of the Cross.
How long does a funeral liturgy last?
A Catholic funeral mass typically lasts approximately 45 minutes, whereas a traditional service conducted by a minister may span a duration of 20 to 30 minutes. In comparison, civil celebrants or humanists may offer a more concise service, with a duration of approximately 15 minutes. It should be noted that these times are approximate and are intended as a guide only, as every funeral is unique and may have exceptions.
📹 10 Ways a Deceased Loved One can Contact You
There are beliefs and theories that our deceased loved ones have not necessarily left us. On the contrary, they might try to …
Hi teacher Ger 👋 sometimes studying these things is sad, but it’s a must a necessity . death is part of our lives and we have to learn about it as well ❤️🩹, believe it or not, obituary column on newspapers used to be my favorite colomn, I used to read about people passed away, 😢don’t know why, or what was the psychology behind it 😔 but since I started to use cell phone I stopped buying newspapers, it’s how I stopped checking that colomn out, happy I did honestly.
My momma died January 2, 1980 from pneumonia, she was also blind, I was 8 years old and her only child. Not long after she died she came in my dream to tell me she loves me and show me that she can now see. It was in color, very detailed, very real. I’m now 51 and remember that dream as clear today as I did when it happened.
My Dad passed away in August. I was recently driving past his nursing home and had overwhelming feelings of sadness. Just as I drove past the song “I’ll Be There Before The Next Teardrop Falls” came on the radio. He would often ask me to play it for him as it was a favourite of his. I cried, but happy tears as I knew he was still with me.
Our daughter passed away suddenly in her sleep in August of ‘22. There are no words to express the complete breakdown we experienced. But amid all the chaos, confusion and pain we were going through that night, there was one moment when time seemed to stop for me and a feeling of calm came over me and I heard a voice say to me ” I’m okay daddy, I’m okay.” I draw comfort from this memory every day.
I felt my dog 🐕 spirit laying against my legs. We had her for 17 years. And she followed me and my husband every wear in the house. She might not be with us physically but her spirit is with us. It gives us comfort knowing she still watches over us. Just like Jesus is always near 🙏 God bless all of you you who believe in God. Will see your pets and loved ones again. ❤️
When my beautiful son Victor passed from Luekemia it ripped me apart never to be put together the same again…. But he let me know right away he was with me when he came directly to me in the shape of a butterfly 🦋 in the middle of a extremely busy construction site…. I felt this peaceful feeling, I knew right away it was him…. I’m so grateful for the 5 yrs I had with him… Rest in Paradise my Angel 😇…… 🙏 My deepest sympathies, condolences to all in comments…. May u be blessed enough to be with your Loved ones after death….
When my husband passed away almost 7 yrs ago, after all had gone home and I was alone for the first time. I came upstairs and before turning off the lights, I glanced down to make sure I had locked the front door, and my husband was standing there. We had never got to say goodbye, I looked at him and we both nodded our heads to the other one. Then I turned off the light and went to bed, and probably slept better than the previous 8 weeks. I knew he was ok. Praise to God.
Yes, I have had several moments. The most memorable instance, was about thirty years ago. My mother died when I was a teen, and I so missed her being around. I was in my early twenties, in my little apt, hanging my clothes in the closet, really feeling sad and depressed, and I said, “How I wish you were hear mom” Then a couple of seconds later, across the room, my two musical teddy bears, on my rocking chair, went off at the same exact time! No kidding, cause you have to squeeze the hand on each one of them for the music to play. I’m sure most people had stuffed animals like that. I just looked over surprised and said, ” Hi mom, miss you”! “Thank you. Love you,” then they both stopped. Often, I tell my deceased loved ones how I miss them, and sometimes, I feel two light taps on my shoulder, or the top of my head. I could be in my car, and I smell roses, though none are around. I could go on, but it’s going too long, Lol. Please believe you are never really alone, so don’t be afraid. You’ll know. 💖🌹🕊️🦋🙏
My son John died in Dec, 2021, COVID related. It broke my heart. My Pastor, and a therapist encourage me to talk to John and tell him what I need. I sat in front of his picture and raised my left hand asking him to find a one inch guardian angel statue for me. A few days later I headed to our local library. I’d seen John the night before he died as he was leaving the library thru the lower level back door. I heard a thought instructing me to enter the library thru that doorway. I was very sad but did so. To my shock sitting on a shelf was a teeny guardian statue. I cried happy tears and kept thanking John for taking care of me. I’ve had many such events like this take place. In a restaurant a stranger approached me asking to stop crying so hard. It was making John very sad, as well. The gentleman handed me a gift bag, as well. I asked why since we’d never met. He explained that God and John wanted me to know I’ll always be loved and watched over. I believe my son is my guardian angel. I miss his humor, hugs, sarcasm and deep, deep live.
Beautiful article, I absolutely believe that our loved ones are always around us. My daughter Lisa passed away and left 2 small children ages 6 months and 4 years old. After her passing, I moved in with my son in law and the girls. My SIL and I were talking in the kitchen when all of a when one of us said I wish Lisa was here with us. All of a sudden, the basement door started shaking like someone was trying to get our attention we both looked at each other and I started smiling because i knew that was my daughter saying I am here, my SIL was a little shaken up but for me it was confirmation that my precious daughter was right there with us❤️ I feel my Lisa all the time. Thank you for your beautiful article.
My buddy passed away unexpectedly. It was a 3 hour drive one way to his funeral. Heavy snow fall caused me to walk into the church about 10 minutes after the service had begun. There were only about 20 people in the church. They all were sitting on the right side of the isle. I walked to the very front row on the left side. Everyone smiled at me because they all knew how close Joe and I were. I looked at his open casket and quietly told him I was sorry for being late,and so sorry he was gone. There were 2 very large flower arrangements, one on each side,they were red roses. I told Joe that I hoped he was in a better place. Just then,one rose in front of me in the huge arrangement bent down about 3 inches then went back up to where it was. Only one rose out of the entire bunch. No breeze, now way for that to happen. It was joe.
My 13 year old son was killed in a vehicle bicycle accident September 28, 1984. A month after his death I had a very vivid dream. My wife and I and the other children were in a park on clear sunny day. My deceased son came out from behind a bush. We all ran up to him and I hugged him . The dream was so real. He walked back behind the bush and I woke up. I felt relieved like I knee he was ok. I woke up my wife and told her about the dream. I feel my son was telling me he is ok.
My daughter and I have experienced so many things since my husband died including many butterflies, birds, pennies found randomly with special significant dates, heart shaped things etc. We KNOW he is near us and perusal over us and my son too. One day a butterfly got into my daughter’s car and she could not get it to go out. Finally she said, “ok Dad. Just stay and we’ll drive”❤️👍😁 . They’re all around us. Just stay open to the signs.
He’s been gone since April 4, 2022. Frequently I have a feeling like an electrical charge throughout my body which happens often. We had so much in common. I now know true love. Love can’t be seen or heard, it has to be felt, and I had that feeling for the first time in my life, at age 84. I believe those “charges” that I feel are from him. And his gift of love will be with me forever.
My husband and I attended a close friends funeral. I felt a tap on the shoulder, I thought it was the person behind us in the church but when I turned around I didnt know them and they were staring straight ahead listening to the pastor. I whispered to my husband if he had tapped my shoulder and he said he didnt. Im sure it was our friend saying goodbye ❤
I lost my mother 18 years ago. She worked in a Pontiac dealership and always had cool old convertibles. I’m an avid biker riding 20mikes daily. If it’s near her birthday or mine or a holiday, an identical Pontiac goes rolling past me while I’m biking. I asked her to send me a sign to know she’s OK and I’ve thankfully had many.
I believe this wholeheartedly! On the 10th day of my mother’s demise, she came and spoke to me when I was still half awake, early morning. I dismissed this as a figment of my imagination because we were extremely close, and I was missing her terribly. But a niggling doubt always remained that it was her. After reading your article, I am convinced it was her.
Weeks after my brother died I was having breakfast and suddenly felt his presence. I looked in that direction and said, “Bud. You’re here.” I held a one way conversation for three days and on that third morning I sensed him walk out and that was the end of the encounter. I truly believe that those who have passed need some form of resolution or just a “Goodbye.” I hope I resolved his issue as he had a very unsettling life.
I often get a lot of these signs. At the moment I am extremely ill (dying?) and dreamt something quite significant the other night. I was in the hospital, telling my father I was dying of AIDS. My father actually passed away in 1996. When I woke up I was elated for two reasons – my suffering would be over before long and I would see my father again – very soon.
A few years after my husband passed away, I traded his car in on a new one. My daughter went with me when I picked up the new one as I was feeling emotional. On the way home, she put my favorite radio station into preset. When I left her house after dropping her off, I turned on the radio, and it was his favorite station playing. She only set the one, and didn’t know what the number was for his anyway.
One night, I was crying over the song ” Goodbye My Friend” by Linda Ronstadt. I missed the only man I ever loved and still mourn his death. I was visiting a thrift store where there were racks of CD’s hoping to find the track by Ronstadt. The very last CD from the hundreds displayed was the very one. I was with the one I love all the way home.
My father passed away in 2013 and even though we were estranged, we have always had this bond, or connection, so I have never really been surprised when I felt his presence. It’s only been a handful of times, but when I do experience a moment or two with him, it’s usually his scent that will come to me out of nowhere while I’m driving, or perusal TV. It only lasts for a few moments, but it’s always a good feeling when it happens! That said, to say that my father was an alcoholic, would be a gross mis understatement! He loved his Vodka and Tequila. My father was also a huge baseball fan! He had me play from the time I could crawl! One evening, after a big birthday party at my place, I was sitting on the couch, relaxing and perusal a baseball game on TV. (His team, the Yankees,) when all of a sudden, I hear this loud POP, followed by something rolling around on the kitchen counter. I get up having no idea what had just happened, when I look and see the cork from the Tequila bottle, that had been put on all the way, as it is intended, rolling around the counter. It may just be a coincidence, but you take his favorite drink, perusal his favorite sport, while perusal his favorite team, and I couldn’t help but wonder! Not to mention the fact that our birthdays were 5 days apart. Mine on the 20th, his on the 25th. The party was for me and it just so happened to fall on his birthday! WHO knows?
A few months ago on my birthday, I recalled how my aunt (gone 2 years now) would call and sing happy birthday. So I asked her to send me a cardinal to let me know she was at peace. I immediately walked to the window and there he was. A red male cardinal hopping around. I started crying and couldn’t speak. I looked again and noticed an entire family of cardinal. I have not seen a cardinal since then. I don’t believe in coincidences.
About three weeks after my Dad died, I heard his voice in a dream, instructing me to contact my sister immediately. Dad sounded really excited and happy. I called my sister the next day. Before I could say a word, she started telling me how she had run into one of my Dad’s old buddies and the two of them were exchanging stories.
One night in October 2005 my dog Muffy died of old age and we buried her in the backyard the next day where other long deceased pets of ours were buried by us. Two days later Muffy was in my dream where she was young and full of life again so I take it as a sign she crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge and was fine and waiting for me. Ever since then Muffy often appears in my dreams to let me know she hasn’t left me and is still around in spirit form. Now my other dog Sally who I got AFTER Muffy died died of old age at seventeen and a half years old in May last year. So Muffy and Sally are waiting for me to crossover one day and be with them again in the afterlife. Several years after Muffy passed away I was lying on my bed reading a book and got to a sad part near the end and shed a few tears and then I felt what felt like a dog’s wet nose touch my leg once so it must of been Muffy telling me it’s okay. She was my first proper dog who I got when she was a puppy in 1991 and I’ll always love her and miss her just as I will always miss and love Sally. 🐶🐾♥🪦🌹
A week after my auntie passed away, I was in my room just perusal tv and I felt this presence just enter the room, that feeling right through your body. I just said “hi Karen, I know it’s you, really sorry I didn’t see you much before ur sudden passing, but love n miss you” within seconds that presence felt like it just flown out my room and was gone. I know it was her checking in. Had other experiences also with my grandad
The night of my mother’s passing, I was alone in my room and saw a bright light appear in my dark bedroom.The light lingered briefly and gave me a feeling of peace; it also helped me to finally fall asleep. However, as I was sleeping, I actually felt something gently touching my hand and it awoke me but there was no one else in the room. Also about two weeks later, I had a dream that I was flying over a beautiful tropical island beach, and I actually saw my mom waving at my plane, with such enthusiasm, as it flew over this beach area. I told her in my dream,” I see you mommy”. I knew it was her relaxing in the beach chair because she was wearing the clothes worn at her final birthday party. And she was so happy that day. This dream gave me comfort because she was communicating to me that she was alright and in my heart I know she is resting peacefully. I love you mommy.😇
I am going to visit my veteran son on his first death anniversary and I have been in tears for weeks afraid of what I will feel to see his grave for the first time 💔😢,but I definitely need to confront the truth, he’s really not ever coming back!my heart hurts for every mother who’s buried their child 💔🙏
My wife died in an accident. We were staying at a hotel at the time. I returned to the hotel on my own. There was a wind chime in the entrance. There was no wind but the wind chime started to tinkle. The hotel had a resident cat. It looked at me and went crazy. Snarling and hissing as if something was next to me. I believe her spirit was there at that time.
My wife recently passed away. I’ve had a few occurrences that seem very unlikey to be mere coincidence. One thing that happened just yesterday was really striking. I was walking to my chair in the living room and I smelled a baby powder like scent as I walked past my home theater equipment. It seemed so odd to me. I looked around to see what it could be and I saw my wife’s tennis bracelet sitting on top ot the equipment; laid perfectly straight, something I would not expect her to do. I had just given it to her for our 15th wedding anniversary 6 months ago. The bracelet didn’t smell like anything and when I tried to locate the smell again, the smell wasn’t there anymore. I had collected together some jewelry she had laying around in the days since she passed away and, at that time, was wondering where her bracelet was.
I’ve had several of these. One day I was alone at home, and while walking down the hall I got a strong smell of lilac. I told my mom about it since it was so weird. She said it was my grandmother’s favorite flower. I’ve had dream visitations from my grandmother, great grandmother, ex-husband, and several pets. While in the hospital after having my daughter after a rough c-section, I was dozing and felt someone gently squeeze my foot. I looked up and nobody was there. My ex said his dad came to him in dreams and gave him solutions to some of his problems. I wish he’d do the same for me, lol.😉
A few times I had the feeling that a loved one was nearby. Someone whom I really looked up at died very recently. She helped me through a difficult time in my life a few years ago. Now, when I’m having a difficult moment, I sense a presence guiding me to a direction going forward in my life. There are also tips and tricks popping up at random moments and places. Tips and tricks for growing as a person, in your life. Both in the form as book suggestions, as quotes. I sense a kind of proudness whenever I take a step forward, no matter how little that step is. Both proudness of myself, and proudness she would have when she was alive. Also, it seems that some other people whom I don’t know/never have seen randomly say ‘hello’ when passing by, or nodding their head for a hello. Mostly elderly people. She was an elderly person, who also believed in some spiritual aspects of life. Over the course of the years, I also had the feeling that my grandparents visit me, once in a while.
I worked with a man called Mick, we did a night trunk lorry driving job together for ten years. in 1980 we were both made redundant when the company closed down. We kept in touch, I managed to get another night driving job, but Mick got a job in a furniture shop. He said that one night, he was going to come with me on my night run just for old times sake. Sadly Mick died before this happened.. A few days after he passed away, I was on my usual night run up to Yorkshire, i looked across to my nearside mirror, and saw Mick sat in the passenger seat he had a big grin on his face.. I took a second glance, but he had gone. The following day, I phoned his wife to tell her what happened, she told me that Mick appeared in her kitchen doorway that morning.. I think he just wanted to say goodbye to us.
When my son got married, he was upset because my deceased wouldn’t be there at his wedding. I told him not to be sad that she would be there. The day of the wedding before the ceremony there was a yellow butterfly flying around. I got his attention and he saw it and his eyes got misty and said thank you MiMi. Mind you this was an October wedding, when do you see butterflies in the fall.
My grandfather v.G. used to love to play ball with my dog Kijafa when he came over for a visit. Even though he was never a great lover of animals when he was younger due to an earlier incident, the two became the best of friends. When my grandfather passed away around Christmas time, my dog went into something like shock and hid near the furnace. She was unresponsive despite my father’s attempts to get her attention and to get moving on her feet. This went on for several days. Somehow, my dog knew my grandfather was gone and she was truly broken-hearted. Later, she would walk around the yard looking for him. It was so sad.
My husband took his own life for something I did. I was ready to take my own during that period. I was on a motorway, driving through awful rain. I remember being terrified. I could hear my husband saying to me “although the big truck is beside you and you cannot see through your windscreen, just concentrate on the white lines, on either side of you, that you can. Whoa. Never shared that before x RIP Michael x ❤
In 2016 My best friend was murdered. For the next two years she would come visit us. We knew this because when she was alive she would come in and go to where we kept the dog treats and give our dog a treat every time she visited. He would always go over there and sit as soon as he heard her coming and for the last two years we were in that apartment he would all of a sudden perk up and then go sit there looking up like he always did. We would just say hi Tracy.
In 2014 my high school buddy passed away, we were states away and only talked maybe a couple times every year. That morning after he died I randomly thought of him, searched for him on Facebook and was thinking about how he was doing.. later I heard the news that he’d passed. I 100% think that was him coming through to say goodbye to me
When I got married in 2016, we were in Florida for the wedding and we were standing on a wooden bridge that went from the hotel patio down to the beach. While standing there with my husband and 2 of our nephews, a butterfly flew over and landed right on my finger in front of everyone. It stayed about 30 seconds on my finger. The photographer was able to get several shots of it. I knew as soon as I saw this butterfly it was my dad. He died when I was 18 in sept, . 1988. After it left, it dawned on all of us, there was not any butterflies around the entire day. That was the only one. That just proved to me, it was most definitely my dad.
I was refueling an F-18 (navy/marine fighter jet) and I had given them 1,985 gallons. Well the week prior I found out my ex girlfriend whom I still have love for and will always had passed away 13 months prior. I was still struggling with the news. Well 1985 was her birth year…1,985 gallons…made me smile and I said hey Deborah. Miss you.
A few weeks after the sudden death of my little son – he died when he was only 20 months – I had a dream. He took me on a walk at the beach, holding my hand. And while we were walking he grew from the little boy I knew to an old man. Finally he hugged me and said: “Don’t worry about me. Everything is ok!” This was a wonder I experienced and every time I think about it I’m crying. Thank you for being with me my little angel ❤
Shortly after my dad passed away my son and I were sitting in the loving room just talking about casual stuff and suddenly I could smell my Dad’s cologne (the same cologne I bought him every year for Christmas). It was very strong and I was sure my son had to have smelled it too but he didn’t. My brother who passed away many years ago came to me in a dream to tell me “I have another job to do so I won’t be able to come talk to you anymore but I can still see you and I will still be perusal out for you”. We talked about other things in that dream too.I asked him why he had to leave and he told me ” It was what I thought was the right thing to do at the time”.My brother had ended his own life.I had my brother’s high school graduation ring in a box (I always felt that ring should have gone to his girlfriend but I was young when he died and didn’t have any say ) One day I wanted to look at the ring and it was gone. That box was the only place I ever kept it. I looked everywhere for it. I have also experienced periods in my life where I will find several dimes for a week or so and always in odd places.
Mother adored red cardinals and had a poem about them visiting meaning the loved one is there for you. I saw one a few feet in front of me after losing mom; I was upset and I felt she was trying to calm me down…even possibly direct my path. In the end, this may be the way that I go… and I’ve been considering so many other options… even got a plane ticket. It’s just a really good option when panicked. Woe, still hearing from my mother! She kept on helping… even at 97!
My husband died in 2018. I dream of him alot . He was my best friend and soul mate. I feel his presence all the time. Sometimes I am woke up to a brush across my cheek. The best incontrovertible I’ve had was I took a picture of tge snow there was a ghost like picture by his favorite chair in our back yard. He let’s me know he’s around me. It’s do comforting.
My mother visits me in long detailed dreams that seem real life. I know that she is with me because I feel her touching me periodically. It feels like a fly landed on me and I talk to her. In addition my cat often looks up at the walls or ceiling when I see nothing and she responds by jumping at what she sees and meowing. I look forward to seeing my mother again in heaven someday.
My dad had a heart attack and was rushed to the ER when the while the doctors were working on trying to restate him. I felt a hand on my should but not just any hand but my dad’s, I turned to my mom and told her that my dad was done gone and to let him go. This was two years ago, moving forward has been rough, but it’s calming to know he is still there
The morning of my daughters funeral service, we were leaving the house and there was a female deer just standing next to our car in the driveway as if waiting for us to come out. After a couple of minutes it walked away and stopped to looked back at us as it left. I took this as a sign from her telling us that she was coming with us and would be there to comfort us on the hardest day of our lives.
At my Dad’s funeral there was a 🦋! In early Spring. Now whenever I am down and I go out in the garden(and this has happened in 3 different gardens) and my gaze goes somewhere. I find a tiny, tiny white feather! The last one was only found when I looked into a plant growing in a flower pot and parted the plant, to see how the new growth was coming on. There the tiny white feather was woven through the growth and completely hidden from view! These feathers have been arriving for 30 years. Not all the time, just when I needed.
Since the passing of my mother, I have heard her call out to me 3 times. Not yelling, just speaking my name. Once while walking down the road, once while sleeping, (not a dream, I woke up calling her back. The last time I heard it I was gardening with my cat who adored my mother. I heard the call, my cat heard the call, and we both rushed toward where we thought it came from.
A white butterfly appears in nowhere last night in my room and I believe this is the sign my mom who passed away 2 months ago is at home because for the past months I feel I missed her so much and always thinking of her everyday and praying to Heavenly Father to give me a sign that my mom still remembers me here on earth and perusal me always
My father suddenly passed when I was 8, back in 1957. I dreamt a couple of days after he was interred, my mother & I were standing at the grave sight, lightly raining, wind blowing. My dad stood on the other side of the grave and said goodbye to me, as he could not do in life. It was a frightening yet comforting dream. It’s odd how clear it still is 66 years later.
I often feel a tap on my shoulder to the point that I turn to see there’s no one there..at least visible. I embrace these times! I know someone who loves me is there. I often ask my mother who passed at 103 in 2013 to help me find something. She usually gives me the answer! Coins- for my Dad and husband it’s pennies my mother dimes. When my brother in law was dying we asked him to send the paper kind..nothing yet. I truly believe in it. It gives me great comfort and makes me smile😘
My husband passed on March 10 2019 we were together for62=yrs and had 5kids together. I have a tablet that I keep all the bills I have to pay the amount I pay and the month. It’s in a metal box with my check book on top a dresser.I needed to use it the other day and after writing the check I went for the tablet that I had taken out of the box and laid on my bed It was gone I looked everywhere nothing. For 3 days I looked in my room but the tablet had vanished. Then yesterday I found it downstairs on top of my refrigerator in a basket. How the heck did it get there? It’s back up stairs safe in its box but the mystery remains?
I had a first Cousin who loved me, and I loved him, my mother would not allow me to date him, I have never had anyone to love me the way he did, I am now 75 years old, all of a sudden I started thinking of him, of all the people I have known during my life time he comes to me, I am so delighted and happy
About 12 years ago I was experiencing many urges/wonders/dreams etc. I was pulled towards psychic phenomena which I only realized to be something real after I was guided into my first Psychic Medium reading. I had been experiencing many dreams that a deceased co-worker and I (worked together for 20 years or so) were working together again in the same restaurant. These dreams were so often and vivid replicas of working with him that I voiced to others that “I must be getting back to working in the restaurant industry” . Fast forward to my unexplained urge to seek out a reading. It was there that a medium connected with this man. After validating his presence She looked at me and said “Did you know this man loved you very dearly?” And added that he had ruined his life with alcohol and never pursued me as to not ruin mine too. NO I hadn’t known and I still Get chills when I remember that reading. YES he still visits me just not as often!!! RIP Billy. 😘🤗😇
I loved this article!!! I am and have been open to my loved ones being present and leaving signs. Especially in my dreams every night. I dream of my Mamma every night and others frequently. I always awake feeling happy and satisfied that I spent time with them even though it was a dream. Sometimes the dream is strange, I don’t understand, or completely out of character. Most of the time, I can eventually figure it out however occasionally it still doesn’t make sense. I think eventually I will understand it, and it will all make sense. I was extremely connected and close to Mamma, so I know if she can, she will continue to be with me comfort me and warn me if needed.
I lost both parents in 2014 they died 2 weeks apart but did same day of the week and were buried on same week day.I have been having visits from someone since then about every night just as I go to bed..Fingers through my hair sometimes on the face which feels electric almost.Also a sense of a weight on top of me in bed but lightly not heavy.It has never scared me just wakes me more intrigued who it is.
Before my grandmother died a few years ago, she started to give away some of her things. My wife loved her one music box that had twinkling lights on it. It sat on a dresser in our guest bedroom. The night we got back from her funeral I walked into the room and it started playing music and the lights came on. I know for certain we didn’t touch it. It was definitely her way of saying hi to us and letting us know she was around🥰
I had a beloved cousin (in VA), 1 year older than me, who passed away in 2020 from a long term illness. The day of his memorial service, as we were leaving the church, I saw a hawk flying away from the church. Then when we stopped at the grocery store to pick up food ordered for the “after” gathering, I saw the very same hawk perched on a light pole right above where we were parked. I have since seen hawks on several different occasions back here in PA. I see butterflies a lot, which I know is my grandmother checking in (they were her favorite), especially when I’m having a hard time. I see cardinals here so much more than I ever did back home. I think that could be my Auntie Olivia, who passed away in 2014.
My sisters often visit me and do things with me they never did before they passed, as though they are giving me the experiences I never got with them before their deaths. One sister keeps stealing just one of the earrings she made me. They are both staying a strong presence in my life – even though they rejected me for long periods during their lives.
Coin Radio frequency changing, going off and on again and volume increasing and decreasing Pick up coins when I walk Butterflies and moths cross my path Housemates cats sit in front of my door I get dreams Lights flickering They warn me when something is out of place I get a cool breeze come over me, or over shoulders My crown vibrates, I have missing patch on my head already I’m quiet and have to clean around full moon or I can’t sleep whole night I’m generally up between 3 and 4am I can sense when people are talking about me, and can sometime hear what they are saying… Feathers, divinely protected and very lucky My enemies don’t do well
My wallet rests on the table, I only pick it up to put it in my pocket. I sometimes move it to my room to clear the table. This week I came from my room to get it off of the table and it was sitting on the cutting board next to the stove, nowhere near the table. I asked my sister if she had a reason for putting it on the cutting board, and she assured me that she never touched it. The next day I washed my hands using only the hot water. I turned off the hot water and started drying my hands, and the cold water came on by itself. My wife passed away in April. These were two very odd things.
About four years ago I went into organ failure, I was basically dead and there is only one thing I remember from that time, I was in bed in a fetal position and I looked next to me and my mother was sitting next to me, she didn’t say anything just sat there looking at me then she was gone, I just wish she would of taken me with her, my dad said she didn’t take me because she wanted me to take care of him and I’ve had dreams of other family members but mom’s was the best and wish she would come back.
My brother passed away over 4 years ago and one night I was laying in bed looking at a photo of him and talking to it telling him how much I missed him. A few minutes later my cat kept staring at the wall to my left. I kept seeing a faint orange flash of light (also to my left). I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. All of a sudden an orange glow flew out of my lamp and up towards the ceiling across the room and disappeared into thin air. It only happened that one time, but I strongly believe it was my brother telling me he is fine. There have been other things I can’t explain (phone ringing short rings in the middle of the night, exercise bike turning on by itself, cable TV acting crazy). I actually miss getting these messages, and hope some day I will see my brother again.
our son received his matric results (basically passing senior highschool in South Africa), I saw him shaking my son’s hand and then he came and kissed me. Was not sure if he was saying goodbye. In the next dream, he was hugging me tightly and I told him that I was sorry I did know he was so sick. I remember vividly waking up sobbing. It really upset me. My son and I miss him terribly. Nothing will be the same again. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one. God bless all of you.
When doing my cooking this evening I’m in and out in the kitchen suddenly when I came in again a 2 cent coin lying on the floor no way did I ever bring my bag into the kitchen and also I was in my pajamas.I hold it both hands and prayed to God thanking him for sending my guardian Angel or my beloved mom and late husband 🙏🙏🙏
The fact that this article came onto my feed gives me chills. We recently lost my father in law. His grandkids went to his nursing home room to clean up and the light on his night stand started to flicker. Never did that before in the year he was there. Then my nieces and their dad went home (his granddaughters and son) their laundry room light was flickering like a disco. I saw the article. Never did that before he died. My laundry room light started flickering when my son and I were talking. I didn’t know about the lights happening to everyone all in just a couple days if his passing. It makes me wonder. When I saw here that it’s a a sign I really believe it was him. ❤
My mother passed away 20 years ago and with her went alot of meaning out of my life. Then my younger brother passed 3 years ago and I have tried but the emptiness inside is overwhelming most of the time. It feels like I am going through the motions, and trying to fill time until the day I go. I am suspicious of religion with proven good reason, and faith also seems so elusive. Sometimes I just want to know for sure and now with all the various versions of truth about everything, seems certainty is also an elusive thing. People say things like “just trust, go inside” but these things are come and go and are state-specific (mood based). Even the accounts of what happens in near death experience are variable depending on the consciousness of each individual at the time, and they aren’t death experiences, they are “near death”. Life may “be short-?” but it sure is painful. Many times I am not conscious of my pain which is nice, only to become aware of someone else’s pain. I don’t perceive a lot of joy in the world being had by many – most of us are just getting by… especially these days…I think I am just waiting for things to get better and hoping they will.
My dad loved the rain, when he passed on the weather was sunny but as soon as we went to lay him to rest, it started raining, I knew my dad was there, I knew he was perusal everything… I knew he could feel our grief and I knew he would protect me and my family for the rest of my life. Until we meet again, Baba joonam 😢
Awe 😢 thanks so much for this I lost my mom in 2011 and at that time my dad was still alive he was living by himself and he told me his radio turned on by itself and it was country music 🎶 my mom loved country music so my dad got up turned it off went back to bed it turned back on country music he told me it must of been ur mom doing that 😢 he told my mom when she was alive if she pass away first come get him if he pass away first my mom told me dad you come getvn 😢. My mom passed away first 2011 her heart. My dad passed away 2018 he had prostate cancer and that other cancer that Patrict had the one played in ghost movie. And I had things moved around lately in my apartment thinking it might of been my mom or dad. I have very threatening life health problems right now been very sick I’m 54 be 55 in December Dr told me half of my colon has to come out plus more life threatening problems so when it’s my time to go hopefully I’ll find my mom and dad love you mom and dad R.I.P when it’s my time hopefully I’ll see you mom and dad. Love you always you be in my heart ❤️. 😭😭😭
My grandmother passed away this summer, and I will never forget the smell of cigarette smoke I got when I came home about a day or two after what happened. She passed so quickly, and none of us were expecting it. As a matter of fact, we were under the impression that she was getting better. She smoked a lot as far as I can remember, so as soon as I caught the cigarette smoke smell. I automatically thought of her. And it was so strong too, I don’t have a good sense of smell so it was powerful. But still very much welcomed. I have even seen her in my dreams about twice, I know the first time was really her. As even though she didn’t speak, I just felt her presence. In the dream I was trying to get on this ride from this theme park that was on the side of the road for some reason. I was alone while waiting in line to get on, then when I was about to. I looked back and saw her with the camera she always brought with her on family trips. Excited to take a picture of me on the ride. To which I smiled to her and saw her happily wave at me, she didn’t say a word. But my heart knew it was her. The second time I don’t know if it was her or not, since we ended up meeting up at a coffee shop, talked, I cried and told her how much I missed her and she hugged me, and then we scheduled to meet another day. I haven’t seen her since then, but I have also noticed that sometimes I suddenly hear the sound of an owl at night. Owls aren’t usually seen out where I live, I live in a full on desert. But my grandmother’s favorite animal was a snowy owl.
On the night of September 9th to 10th I dreamed of a plane disappearing behind a building on a clear day, the plane was so low in my dream & concerned me. When I woke up I told my husband as It really bothered me. My twin boys were only 10 weeks old & I am amazed I had time to dream as they ate every 3 hours. The rest is history.
When our mum passed away she came to my brother in a photo that was taken on the day of her funeral. In the was my brother and his wife we had stopped at a place she knew very well and in this photo you can see our mum clear as day looking straight at him, and then a few days later I had a dream of her, I woke up crying after dreaming of her. Our Mum has been gone coming up 8yrs this year in July and I can still smell a flower she always had. 2 weeks ago we lost our dad too I am still waiting to hear or even know if he is alright too 💖😪💖
When I was 10, my late grandfather appeared in a dream telling me I had to take care of my grandmother. I promised I would, and 12 years later, I was the only one who could be there for her. He also alerted me that the time to care for her was coming when my little dog was lost and then found on the anniversary of his death. Grandma then fell and had several injuries, putting her in the hospital. When the nurse left her house because she was not scheduled as live-in help, my aunt called me, and I went to her side. This was amazing.
My Partner died aged 47, on the day of her cremation it was a cloudy day, just as the coffin was being lowered the sun broke through briefly and shone on the coffin for about 10 seconds, we all looked at each other in disbelief, when I got home a fantail turned up and started to follow me and our dog on our walks and is still around. She’s been gone 3 and a half years now and every now and then I get a strong smell of her perfume in the bedroom. It’s all very comforting. I just got off the phone to her sister in another country to organize sending her mum’s wedding dress and veil over for her nieces wedding along with some of her jewelry and the first thing that pops up on my youtube recommendations is this article, coincidence?. Love ya Bub.
my mum passed away some time ago but about 14 days or so afterwards i was sitting in the lounge remembering my mum when i left the room to visit the bathroom when i heard something drop on the hardwood floor and when i came back a small heartshaped charm was on the floor right in front of where i was sitting and for a week after her funeral i kept kearing a song she had chosen to play at her funeral
One sign that wasn’t talked about was white butterflies at funerals, which is what happened in 2002 at my mother’s funeral. A butterfly landed on my arm outside the funeral home. At least 20 other people were standing around, but it picked me. Would love to hear from anyone else that it’s happened to. Cheers from 🇦🇺😊
Thanks for sharing this article. I experienced all these signs and more from my dead husband. Yeah he is not a ghost but a good, loving, thoughtful spirit that visits me. Having these signs make me happy feeling he is near me..he also conveys his message through poems, songs, symbols, insects, objects and lights. He also pause my tablet several times when I am listening to music. He sent persons to give me peaceful message.
When I was doing my nurses training, the senior staff went to the tea room leaving me alone. It was a night shift and 3am. In a intensive care unit. I was starting to fall asleep. I felt someone shake me and I heard my deceased mothers voice calling my name. One of the patients were going into a cardiac arrest. My mother saved that persons life by waking me up.
My ex boyfriend who I loved ridiculously and never loved again, died recently. 3 Weeks earlier I dreamt of him. I no longer had his address because he had married. But then shockingly I heard he died at 44. I told him being married to the wrong man or woman would kill us and 15 years ago we agreed never to marry and to get together later in life ourselves. Life was hard for us with low wages. I travelled to his funeral and at night, I said Phelim Henry you have died, and I cannot sleep, I cried a wee bit and fell fast asleep for 8 hours. I went to the ensuite and it was locked from the inside!!! This made me so happy. Love you phelim for ever. xxxxx I wrote songs for him since he got engaged, it outraged me, they are on Sound cloud. Erris Standing by the ocean and more.
My twin sister and I have had many experiences over the years with spirits wether it was smells or objects moving or flickering lights or coins. We don’t get frightened by spirit we tell them that we miss them and love them so much ❤️. We pray for them daily to watch over us. We pray that they are with God.
A little bird just flew into my house. After I got the dog away from chasing it, the bird went under the kitchen table. I picked her up in my hands and took her outside. She sat in my hands awhile and let me pet her. Funny thing is I dreamed last night a hummingbird flew inside my house and I caught it with my hands too and let it go. I wonder if it’s a sign of something
First time this has ever happened to me.. My dog barks at the door at a odd time of night. My dog doesn’t bark a lot and I never have company. Something was odd so I rush to the door unafraid. I open the door and immediately smell beautiful flowers or perfume close like they were just on my porch. I look extensively nobody insight. I don’t think much of it and turn to go inside. The smell is still there and it’s now in my door entry. I told my dog I smell it and tell him it’s OK. An hour or so later I take him for a walk. Come back to the house stop on the porch and turn to finish my cigarette. I then see a shadow of a extra hand other than my two of a adolescent child or a young woman moving. I look around every possible place a person could be. I even walk to Edge of the sidewalk look left and right to see if possibly they made it around the corner and nothing. I lost my grandmother about a month ago and she loved me very much. I feel something…. I feel peace and unafraid.. Not sure never experienced anything like this
When my mom passed, we had her cremated, we took her out on a boat to spread her ashes, as we stopped to do the ceremony, a lone Pelican came in landed on the water and stayed the whole time with us, even when the boat circled the ashes, we took off to go back, the Pelican took off caught up with the boat and bowed out. My dad was at peace then, he knew she was ok, my mom loved pelicans! I’ve had 2 sightings of pelicans in Washington, which is rare, always feel blessed. 22 years later,My Dad passed this year, we did the same for him, his ashes buried at sea. It was so incredible! A lone pelican came to greet our boat and then left, but she brought a few dolphins with her. Then as we put him in, out in the distance a whole pod of dolphins were racing towards our boat, it was like my dad was free and leading all his friends to the party. It was amazing and peaceful all at the same time. My father in law would visit via tv, he would be perusal golf or sports ( he was perusal golf when he died), my kids had to unplug the tv, as no websites could be changed or be turned off, this happened multiple times, different tv, different states and homes. The kids just would say hi grandpa . It was a blessing in healing. I look for signs all the time…. Love it
My bf ‘s friend passed away. When we left his funeral, we had to restart our phones for them to work and also later that evening we was sitting on the couch and all the sudden a picture we have on the wall ( for about a year) started swinging. We believe his friend was trying to thank us for going to his funeral.
My grandfather passed away in 2008. He loved the song oh Danny boy. My nan would sing it oh Denny boy. A few month’s later, me and my mom were perusal a group sing Danny boy. My dad is deaf, so we had subtitles on. The subtitles said Denny boy. We actually replayed the song, and the subtitles now said Danny boy. Thank you grandad. Im proud to have been part of your life. I hope you’re well, wherever you are ❤❤❤❤❤
I tried to find my brother for nearly a day following his steps but never getting close. The next day a friend of his came to me at my workplace informing me he was killed that night by a hit and run. I couldn’t get him off my mind. One day not long after his death I was driving to my new job and in the same place his body was found there was a cloud shaped like a hand with a finger pointing up it told me he was in heaven and everything was ok, I smiled and said thanks I finally found you.
I experienced most of these. Sometimes, I feel a cold spot in my kitchen, near the stove. My mother used to like to cook. The day after I found out that my grandmother passed away, I was sitting on my couch and out of nowhere, I smelled her favorite perfume. A co-worker of mine, Mary, had passed away a few years ago. I didn’t get a chance to go to her funeral, but the day after she was laid to rest, I had a dream about her. I was in a park, walking on a trail through the woods and I came to an opening. There was my co-worker, Mary, raking leaves. I called her name and she said hello. “I heard you passed away, I’m sorry”. She thanked me and I woke up. I’d like to think that it was our way of saying goodbye to each other. Gone, but not forgotten…
When I was young I begged and prayed to stop dreaming… the dreams I had would come true… the most memorable one is of my grandmother in a vehicle looking out the back window… a few days later a relative calls to inform us that she was getting “everyday” surgery… I immediately got emotional when a flash of that dream came back to me… asked my mother if she can care for my kids so I can go see Grandma… she refused and I told her that grandma was going to pass away… she dismissed my claim… later that day the phone rings and the air got thick… grandma passed away from surgery… I was so angry at my mother for not helping me… after other dreams (nightmares) thats when I begged for “no more dreams”, I didn’t dream for over 20 years… then caught a few familiar scents and asked to dream again a few years ago and haven’t had any psychic dreams since… there are things best not knowing…