Do you agree that funeral should be a cheap and simple affair?

@scheng1 (24650)
Singapore
September 5, 2009 10:07am CST
In many lands, the wake and funeral is a very expensive affair. In some Chinese lands, some families even hire people to cry with the funeral possession. I dont see what is the purpose of spending money to hire people to cry and howl, and give the impression of a big family crying for the dead loved ones. Many families spend too much money on the wake and funeral. Some of them are deep in debt after an elaborate funeral. Many people have no time for their elderly when these elders were alive. Yet they spent so much money to show grief on an expensive funeral, as if they could make up for the lack of attention. Do you think that funeral should be a cheap and simple affair instead of an expensive occasion?
5 people like this
4 responses
• United States
22 Oct 09
it really should,i mean..i can't see dragging my family into debt just to have a big to-do for me. unfortunetly,american law being what it is,the lowest you can get away with is about $1900 local for cremation.though that's opposed to $14,000 burial if you have to buy a plot too. it's ridiculous that something so unavoidable should have so many laws that guarantee major debt.
• United States
25 Oct 09
because in order to inter a corpse in the states,certain requirements have to be met(it goes under health law).in my area,you have to have a cement grave liner,and a leak proof coffin. embalming is also required except in cases where the person's religion may prohibit it.and those are mandatory,so that is added to the cost before you add any other charge. so no matter how you approach it,burial is expensive.
@Edenleng (21)
• China
6 Sep 09
Yes, I do. When people are still alive,part of emotion may be expressed indirectly with money, such as a diamond ring for one's girlfriend, a car for one's wife. But for those who have passed away, expensive funerls make nonsense.
• China
7 Sep 09
I agree. Culture of Fengshui seems quite mysterious. But I think it's more useful to do something benefit those alive, such as setting free captive animals and offerring better education for the later generations.
• United States
5 Sep 09
I think they should be cheper there is no way a casket is $10.000
@vandana7 (99067)
• India
6 Sep 09
I think it should be simple, and private affair. Only those who really knew the person and ever felt in need to get in touch with the person, and those whom the person really liked should meet and pay last respects. There is no point in calling the influential people as if it is a chance to show off in front of others how many people we know. It is definitely not an opportunity to socialize, as most people transform it into. It is a solemn occassion, deserving to be treated as such.
@vandana7 (99067)
• India
7 Sep 09
In this recessionary times, and recycling era, ostentatious people down down. :)