I enjoy funeral jollof with chicken a lot. For some reasons, it always tastes great. I know you love it too. I mean, it is not like we cannot afford to buy it on our own. We just enjoy the fact that it was shared at a funeral. Some even say it is the best. But hold on! Are we mourning a loved one or enjoying jollof? Is the jollof part of the mourning process? Why are they sharing drinks?
In fact, in this 21st century, some Ghanaian funeral gatherings share Kenkey, Fufu, Banku, among others. Food is good, I understand. But my point is, why do I have to spend a lot of money on food when you have come to help me mourn a loved one? Why can’t you just help me grief and then go back to your house and cook? I’m I obligated to provide jollof for you because you attended a funeral I invited you?
Funny enough, some people even fight over the jollof while others cheat by taking more than they are supposed to. In fact, some families do not cook supper when a relative gets the chance to attend a funeral. You know why? Because she will bring food home as if she ordered from Jumia. Yes! That is funeral jollof.
Funerals are meant to be sad events because a loved one will never be seen again. But why have we turned it into a wedding reception, red carpet show, among others. Some Ghanaians dress for funerals as if they are attending an award night. It has actually become a competition. That is where people showcase their best clothing, shoes and latest designer bag.
Many families at funeral gatherings do not only mourn the dead, but also the debts or loans left to pay off. You may wonder where I am heading. Yes people go for loans to host expensive funerals for loved ones. Hire good catering services for food, big sound systems for music, canopy, expensive casket, among others. I get it, you are paying your last respect to that loved one you will never see again. But that does not mean push yourself into a hole you cannot come out of.
Funerals can simply be organised by gathering family members, friends as well as church members to pay their last respect to the deceased and peacefully burying it. Afterward everyone goes home. Why can’t this be done? Why do poor families have to go for loans they cannot pay back to feed people at the loss of a loved one? Enough of my long talk. Let us look at what funerals exactly are, and the purpose or importance of funerals.
Definition of funeral
Funerals, according to Dods&McNair.com, is “a structured ceremony, with a beginning, middle and end. Each is intended to engage the living participants in activities which will transform their status with the community, provide mourners with a collective grieving experience, and celebrate a life lived”.
Funerals are meant to celebrate the life lived by the deceased as well as acknowledge and honour the dead. Food can be shared at funerals, but since it is not the priority or the sole aim for gathering, I think pastries and drinks should be shared most – instead of heavy food that will increase cost.
Importance of funeral
Aside from the fact that funerals focus on honouring, acknowledging and respecting the dead, funerals are also a way to give support to the family. It is a time for people to talk to one another and show care toward the bereaved family.
Funerals also help to grieve. It is important to bring the tears out than to keep it inside. Funerals give that opportunity for loved ones to grieve because they will never see the deceased again. Funny enough, funerals are also held for the living to give support and say goodbye to the deceased. According to Simplicity funeral.com, “when someone dies, the funeral is not for them. It’s about them. The funeral is for everyone who knew, loved and was connected to that person. This is a simple fact”.
Funeral cost
Looking at how much a funeral costs in Ghana, myhealthbasic.site states that GH¢30,289.02 – GH¢37,861.27 is spent on burial/cremation in Ghana, preparation of remains and burial of the deceased – including mortuary fees, space for burial, transportation, documentation and labour.
Funerals are sad events. Let us not make it harder to the bereaved family by making them grieve and think of how to pay the loans they took for the funeral. I believe when the pressure from friends and family to have a luxurious funeral for loved ones ceases, the funeral loans will reduce and the money can be used for something else.
>>>the writer is a student of Journalism at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ). Email [email protected]
