Is dressing up an urn normal?

[krispos42]

My mom got an email from her husband's (my dad's) sister-in-law. My dad's brother died suddenly over the summer, and my mom has been communicating regularly with her since the funeral service.

My uncle was creamated and his remains put in an urn, which his widow has taken to decorating in a seasonally-appropriate manner.

My uncle's urn was a pirate for Halloween, is now decked out in a San Diego Chargers scarf until mid-December, and will apparantly be donning a Santa hat for Christmas.



I admit I blinked a bit at this one.


So we're wondering if this is normal, unusual, whacko, whatever.

I've never heard of this, but we have had very few funeral services in my family (luckily) so I'm not really keen on the latest trends in post-mortuary fashion.

Any Loungers have any experience with this?

[leftofthedial]

1. I don't know.

I know some friends dressed up another friends urn for a memorial "wake."

[krispos42]

2. Interesting. Thanks n/t

[Tom Kitten]

3. It sounds to me like she's still grieving

I'm also not really keen on the "latest trends in post-mortuary fashion" so I'd give her the benefit of the doubt. But that's just me.

[krispos42]

4. I was thinking that as well...

He died about 4 months ago and the funeral service was in September. I imagine it's still pretty fresh and everything, but :shrug:

[Tom Kitten]

7. OK the dressing up thing is odd

All I can say is just let time pass, give her love and support, and hopefully she will move on with her life. Personally I'd wait until Easter and see if she puts bunny ears on it...If she does, then maybe it's time for a talk.

[Shell Beau]

5. Not sure it is normal, but hey whatever helps her through it.

I can't see me doing that and if it were one of my relatives, I'd be concerned a bit. But we all get through things in our own ways. My aunt has her cremated dog in a wooden box by her bed. Do most people do that? No, but death is weird and we all handle it in our own unique way. When she starts dressing up with the urn and going trick-or-treating, call the doc!! :hug:

[krispos42]

6. First thing I asked my mom was...

"Did they put it in a jack-o-lantern with a candle?"


Okay, I have weird thoughts sometimes... :-)