graveyoungladyWho: Mercy Graves
Username: mercyme
Warnings: discussion of death, death rites, burial, religion (both real world and fantasy)
What: Mercy asks about the burial rites and preferences of people from other worlds to help ensure their bodies and souls are taken care of as they would like if they die.
To the Gentlefolk of Other Worlds,
We ring in this new year with sad tidings, indeed. Another of our number has fallen, Mr. George Milton. He was a good and kind man possessed of strong morals and the sort of community spirit I find myself aspiring to. His loss is another wound upon the soul of our own community, one that still bears the scar of Garner Cinderbrooke's loss, and the loss of every soul who has disappeared since our arrival in this new world.
In my own world, much of my life has been spent tending the graves of those who have passed on, some in violence, some with the peace of sunlight, friends, and family surrounding them. The religions of my world have set ways to honor the dead and see they're tended to. My people follow Brother Earth, one who tends to all lost souls that may come to his embrace. But my family arranged and performed rites for other peoples. Those who bend their heads to the Blind Mother, mostly.
I know their rites. I know how to honor them.
I do not know how George Milton would have wished to be honored. We can only guess. I would beseech you, friends, make a record here and now. Should the worst befall you in these uncertain times, how would you see yourself honored? What prayers or rituals would you see performed to please your god or your soul, as you believe it to be, free of gods. Life must always end, and it is important to contemplate what that end would look like for you.
For my part, the Sradan people prepare a body for burial, ensuring the body will not rot or spread disease, and allow it to lie for one day while a celebration is held at the plot where they are to spend the Long Rest. We commemorate their life, share stories of them, and thank those in the graves nearby for their neighborly spirit. The one who has died is placed within a simple wooden casket of the most modest design and materials--whatever is to hand--and buried. The next day is for quiet mourning and deep, intimate conversation with the grave for those who need it.
And that is our way. Please, friends, tell me what is yours.
May the Light of Pelor Guide You,
Mercy Graves
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