Cemetery weddings find new life thanks to 'positive death' moment
The Straits Times|November 06, 2024
It is right there in the vows uttered at innumerable weddings each year: "Till death do us part."
Cemetery weddings find new life thanks to 'positive death' moment

So, it should come as no surprise that some couples want to highlight their eternal bond by marrying in a cemetery.

Cemetery weddings are nothing new. Jews living in Eastern Europe and in the US sometimes held weddings in cemeteries during times of mass disease - like during the 1918 influenza - in the belief that having the ceremony in the presence of the dead might bring about better times.

In the US, Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, became a popular site for weddings after it opened in 1906. In 1940, actor-turned-US President Ronald Reagan chose it as the venue for his marriage to his first wife, actress Jane Wyman.

For most of the 20th century, though, cemeteries were cordoned off in the American imagination as morbid spaces one did not visit unless necessary.

This has changed with the recent "positive death" movement, which has sought to remake the cemetery as a place of exploration and, even, celebration.

"Every year, we get more and more requests," said Mr Richard Harker, executive director of the foundation that operates the Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta. He said that in 2023, Oakland hosted 36 weddings and 25 funerals.

But holding a cemetery wedding does present challenges that marrying in a hotel ballroom or chapel might not.

The decision can be deeply personal. This was the case for Ms Sabrina Gandara, 38, of Portland, Oregon, who works in a retirement community.

In 2019, she married Mr Andrew Rodriguez, 37, a service writer for a car dealership, while standing over the grave of her grandfather, Mr Joe Gandara II, at the Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, California.

この記事は The Straits Times の November 06, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Straits Times の November 06, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE STRAITS TIMESのその他の記事すべて表示
AN ADDS CHINA MASTERS TO OLYMPIC CROWN
The Straits Times

AN ADDS CHINA MASTERS TO OLYMPIC CROWN

Fourth 2024 title cements her world No. 1 status; men's No. 3 Antonsen gets his fifth

time-read
2 分  |
November 25, 2024
The Taiwanese quintet's almost three-hour gig saw each member having his moment at the comeback show
The Straits Times

The Taiwanese quintet's almost three-hour gig saw each member having his moment at the comeback show

2024 ENERGY IMMINENT LIVE IN SINGAPORE

time-read
3 分  |
November 25, 2024
Matcha shortage in Japan hits Singapore
The Straits Times

Matcha shortage in Japan hits Singapore

Some shops here have raised prices on matcha products by 10 to 15 per cent since mid-October

time-read
3 分  |
November 25, 2024
Yan Huichang dazzles in guest conductor stint with SCO
The Straits Times

Yan Huichang dazzles in guest conductor stint with SCO

Every concert needs to be special. That seems to be the credo of Cultural Medallion recipient Yan Huichang, who is the artistic director and principal conductor for life of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO).

time-read
4 分  |
November 25, 2024
Iran director in exile says 'bittersweet' to represent Germany at Oscars
The Straits Times

Iran director in exile says 'bittersweet' to represent Germany at Oscars

Forced to flee Iran, dissident director Mohammad Rasoulof says it is bittersweet that his latest movie will contend at the Oscars under the banner of another country.

time-read
2 分  |
November 25, 2024
Silent films get new reel at London haven
The Straits Times

Silent films get new reel at London haven

The black-and-white silent movie flickered into life as the pianist started up with a dramatic flourish.

time-read
3 分  |
November 25, 2024
Strong start for Wicked, Gladiator II in box-office battle
The Straits Times

Strong start for Wicked, Gladiator II in box-office battle

Musical adaptation Wicked and action epic Gladiator II generated a combined US$25.7 million (S$34.6 million) from early screenings in America and Canada, setting off the biggest box-office battle since \"Barbenheimer\" - the 2023 movie phenomenon that saw Barbie and Oppenheimer open on the same day.

time-read
1 min  |
November 25, 2024
Canada's PM Justin Trudeau spotted dancing at Taylor Swift concert in Toronto
The Straits Times

Canada's PM Justin Trudeau spotted dancing at Taylor Swift concert in Toronto

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right) shook it off at American superstar Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto, Canada.

time-read
1 min  |
November 25, 2024
Best New Director nod for Singaporean film-maker Chiang Wei Liang
The Straits Times

Best New Director nod for Singaporean film-maker Chiang Wei Liang

Golden Horse Awards 2024

time-read
3 分  |
November 25, 2024
Thinking of job options for my grown-up child with special needs
The Straits Times

Thinking of job options for my grown-up child with special needs

The goal does not always have to be employment. What is more important is participating in the world

time-read
4 分  |
November 25, 2024