yurayurateikokuさんの おぼえた日記 - 2024年10月18日(金)

90 May be the New 60 (2)

People in the United States are getting creative when it comes to death. Today, some want their ashes pressed into LPs or shot into space. It’s like turning death into a personalized adventure.
Another change is that funerals are now less frequently held in such traditional locations as funeral homes, churches and burial grounds. For example, some people choose to hold them in a café or a beach. There’s also a rise in environmentally friendly “green” funerals. You know, way back in the day, funerals were held at home, and people buried the dead on their own property.
It was my first time to attend a funeral here in the U.S., and I was unsure about the dress code and what to bring. Back in Japan, it’s common to give cash in a ceremonial envelope, but I went with the traditional dark suit and took chrysanthemum flowers. Was that all right?
Sure, that works, Kyohei. Nowadays, it’s pretty common for bereaved families to prefer charity donations instead of flowers or gifts. And since the pandemic, these donations are often done online. Tell us about the birthday bash, too.
Oh, it was quite the affair. My wealthy neighbor threw an extravagant party for his 90th birthday. He’s a big shot turning 90, so it had to be grand. The theme was “The Roaring Twenties.”
I’ve heard about those themed birthday parties where guests are supposed to dress up like they’re from the 1920s.

A fine quotation is a diamond on the finger of a man of wit, and a pebble in the hand of a fool.