If you could have the chance to attend your own funeral, would you? As people become more open towards talking about death and dying, the idea of living funerals is slowly gaining ground over the years. Earlier in 2024, local digital channel Our Grandfather Story documented the living funeral of Michelle “Mike” Ng, a terminally ill patient who wanted to spend her last few moments with her loved ones. The event was nothing short of beautiful and poignant.
What is a living funeral?
Living funerals are memorial events where individuals are celebrated by friends and family while still alive. They are often held by someone near the end of life (like in the case of Michelle) as a meaningful farewell. However, in South Korea, people perceive living funerals as a way to help them live better—when you become conscious of death, you find new meaning to life. Some prefer to call it a life celebration or a living tribute.
Ten days before her passing, Michelle hosted her own living funeral, which garnered more than four million views on YouTube.
Why consider a living funeral?
One of the biggest charms of a living funeral is that it allows the host to gather important family and friends in one place, providing the opportunity to say goodbye, mend relationships, and express love and appreciation for each other. Proper closure can mean a lot to those who are facing death. It helps them to move on with peace of heart. For the guests, such an event can offer a comforting space for them to process their grief and other heavy emotions.
As mentioned earlier, even those who are neither sick nor ailing can benefit from a living funeral. These ceremonies offer individuals a deeply personal and authentic platform to reflect on their life journey and rethink how they want to spend their remaining days on earth. In 1993, famous Japanese entertainer Takiko Mizunoe did just that. At 78 and in good health, she held a living funeral. After the ceremony, she reportedly told her friends, “You should die once too; the morning after death is so beautiful!”1
Living funerals let loved ones come together to celebrate a life well lived.
Notably, living funerals also give individuals the autonomy to decide how their lives are honoured. Whether it’s the venue or theme, people can choose what best suits their style and preferences.
Steps to plan a living funeral
Depending on the kind of ceremony you are looking for, the funeral planning can vary from one living funeral to another. But in general, here are some things to consider:
Venue: Unlike conventional funerals that are usually held at void decks, funeral parlours, or religious locations, you can choose to hold a living funeral practically anywhere. For instance, at your home, on the beach, in a hotel function room, or at your favourite café.
Food: What’s a celebration without some good food? Would you prefer to provide proper sit-down meals or just some light bites to keep it simple?
Music: What kind of music do you like? You could even incorporate a karaoke singing session to liven up the mood.
Decorations: Flowers lend a warm, natural touch and can enhance the overall aesthetic of the event venue. Balloons are party favourites and brighten any celebration. A K-pop fan? Adorn the space with photographs of your beloved singer.
Activities: Think of the activities that you’d like to do with your guests. For example, if you’ve always enjoyed planting, you might like the idea of a terrarium-making workshop. Guests can take home their terrariums, which will remind them of you and this serene moment you spent together.
Memorialise the event: We recommend hiring a photographer and/or videographer to capture the significant occasion. This way, friends and family can revisit the memories over and over again. On the same note, you might also want to include a memory table where old photographs and mementoes are displayed. You and your guests will enjoy reminiscing about the past—funny incidents, unforgettable holidays, and all the milestones that have shaped you.
Invitation list: Here’s your chance to gather all the people who matter to you. They could be your closest family members, childhood friends, colleagues who have helped you along the way, and those whom you long to reconnect with.
There really are no limitations to what your living funeral can be. It is, above all, a celebration of your life and it can be as unique as you like.
Need help planning your living funeral? Contact us at info@directfuneral.com.sg.
1 A Fond Farewell to Oneself: The Living Funeral of Mizunoe Takiko by Mo Leong