Sky burial, an ancient and profound practice, offers a unique lens through which to view death and the afterlife, deeply entrenched within the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and some other cultures. This ceremonial act, where the deceased are offered to vultures, transcends mere disposal of the body, encapsulating a spiritual rite that reflects deep beliefs about life, death, and rebirth. However, the tradition faces significant contemporary challenges, notably the declining populations of vultures that are central to its rites, and legal restrictions in places like the United States, reflecti ..read more

In recent years, a growing environmental consciousness has led many to reconsider traditional burial practices, seeking alternatives that are more in harmony with nature. Utah, known for its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to environmental conservation, has become a leading state in the adoption of green burial practices. This sustainable approach to afterlife care is not only a testament to the state’s environmental values but also offers a deeply personal and meaningful experience for those who choose it. Understanding Green Burial Green burial, at its core, is an environmentally frie ..read more

Hollywood Forever: A Home of Stars From Judy Garland to Mickey Rooney, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the resting place of hundreds of famous actors, actresses’ families, and other high-profile members of Hollywood. Hollywood welcomes tens of thousands of tourists annually who want to pay tribute to the pioneers who transformed a young visual medium into the cultural phenomenon of the last hundred years. The park’s flower shop, situated in the bell tower near the main entrance, has a walking guidebook and map of the cemetery. About Hollywood Forever Cemetery Concerts, plays, films, and more are ..read more

Cemetery and graveyards are often thought to mean the same thing these days. Cemeteries and graveyards both mean places to lay to rest deceased people, but these terms originally weren’t used so interchangeably; they differ in size, religious affiliation, and the type of headstone required. So, what’s the point of being concerned about the variations if the words denote locations with a similar concept? A couple of reasons exist. To start, there are those who, for reasons of objectivity, value word choice with great care. However, beyond that, be as explicit as possible in your instructions fo ..read more

The growing awareness of the effects our decisions, even those related to our final farewells, have on the environment has been observed in recent years. Conventional funeral practices frequently use a lot of materials and chemicals, which increase pollution and deforestation. As a result, there is more demand in “green” funerals, which place an emphasis on environmental friendliness and sustainability. We’ll go over the idea of “green funerals,” their advantages, available options, and how they’re changing our perception of deathcare. Understanding Green Funerals What is a green funeral? An e ..read more

Through much of history, black has been the color most associated with mourning due to its contrast with the brightness and vibrancy of life. It represents the absence of light and color, and in turn the absence of life. It is likely that this comparison started in the Western world with the Etruscans or Roman Empire with their dark toga known as a “toga pulla”. This variation on the standard toga was used for a period of mourning after a loss. Like many things, the practice of wearing clothing specific to grief spread throughout Europe. It also followed European influence across the globe and ..read more

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is undeniably challenging. When this happens in a state different from where Return Home operates, it might seem even more overwhelming. If you’ve been considering terramation with Return Home, we’re here to simplify this for you. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to navigate this process. Immediate Steps in an Out-of-State Passing: In the Wake of an Unexpected Passing: The sudden loss of a loved one can be paralyzing. If faced with an unexpected death, your first step should always be to call 911. This ensures that local authorities are immed ..read more

When a loved one dies it can be an especially challenging time. Emotions are high, funeral services are being decided, and family/friends must be notified. Along with the immediate grief related things, there are many practical responsibilities loved ones face after a death. One of those responsibilities, that will lead to being able to handle others, is obtaining a death certificate. The Purpose of Death Certificates In order to know how many death certificates you will need, their purpose must be understood.  A death certificate is a legal record containing a person’s basic details and ..read more

Thinking about insurance is not usually a high priority. Thinking about insurance that’s used specifically for your final arrangements even less so. However, pre-planning how to finance your final disposition (be it terramation, cremation, aquamation, or burial) is a very important step in financial responsibility and education. Here we’ll break down what burial insurance is, why it’s important, and how it can benefit you and your loved ones in the future. What is Burial Insurance? Burial insurance is insurance specifically designed to cover the costs associated with a person’s final expenses ..read more

Losing a loved one is an experience that inevitably shakes the very foundations of our existence. It’s an emotional journey filled with grief, introspection, and the profound realization of the fragility of life. When we attend a funeral, we step into a space where we not only grapple with our own emotions but also extend our support to those who are mourning. It’s a moment where words often fall short, and actions speak volumes. Funerals serve as a poignant intersection of life and death, where we gather to celebrate the life that once was and acknowledge the void left in its absence. It’s an ..read more