DUE TO the coronavirus pandemic, mass gatherings are prohibited. And so, cemeteries are closed this All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day – until Nov. 4 actually, upon the order of the government – when people traditionally visit the graves of loved ones.
With much of the world struggling with the pandemic, there is some talk of cancelling this tradition this year. It’s only natural to wonder if we should mark an event that, on the surface, seems frivolous and unimportant when so many people around the world are suffering and dying because of the deadly virus.
But it’s precisely because of the current situation that it’s essential to hold on to customs that bring the community together and make us value life – ironically through the realization on the inevitability of death.
Scientifically, dying is a continuous process starting in the womb and ending in the tomb. The cells that comprise the organs of the living undergo constant decay, death and replenishment. Yet it is the same body as far as we are aware. This continuous dying is a constant reminder of our mortality.
Regardless of how we conceive the afterlife, death alerts us into realizing that we are not owners but just temporary custodians of our lives, the earth and all materials possessions thereat.
“For all the earth is mine,” God said in Exodus 19:5. And so, when cemeteries finally reopen on Nov. 5 and people start visiting their dead, we implore the public to show genuine respect for their departed by trashing wasteful and toxic habits. Don’t turn cemeteries into pigsties. Let us promote environmental responsibility and commonsensical good manners and avoid practices that show disrespect for the dead, as well as for the living.
Let us keep cemeteries clean and safe as we remember our departed dear ones. Choose lead-free candles that do not yield black fumes or soot. Set alight a limited number of candles to reduce heat and pollution. Be cautious so as not to let candle fire touch plastic receptacles or holders. Offer local fresh flowers, not plastic ones, or consider bringing potted plants and flowers instead. Avoid wrapping floral or plant offerings in plastic, which will sooner or later end up as trash.
Cut your waste size by not creating trash in the first place such as by purchasing products with the least amount of packaging and avoiding single-use plastic disposables. Don’t litter, dump or burn trash in the cemetery. Do not throw cigarette butts, candy wrappers, discarded packaging, fruit peels, and the likes on the ground. Remember to leave the resting place of your loved ones litter-free.
