Could the pandemic change way we grieve?

SOME funeral directors predict COVID-19 could create lasting changes for Tasmanians’ grieving as restrictions begin to be lifted today.

Graham Family Funerals director Paul Graham said the industry adapted when Tasmanian funeral gatherings were restricted to 10 people.

“We [were] limiting contact, using FaceTime and chat rooms to make arrangements without having people come in face-to-face to help them understand what a funeral would look like,” he said.

Extra thought had gone into making the experience meaningful for those unable to attend, with some split group services and creative practices.

Premier Peter Gutwein’s gradual restriction removals began today, including increasing funeral attendance numbers from 10 to 20.

Mr Graham said the decision was a welcome change.

“It gives the families that little bit more support,” he said.

“This allows for a partner and siblings and family to congregate, but at 10 that certainly wasn’t the case.”

Charles Sturt University researcher Jennifer Watkins said although funeral rituals were already becoming secular and individualistic she had never witnessed a shift this dramatic.

Creative funeral trends were emerging that could continue beyond COVID-19.

“Now in these very small groups there’s certainly a great feeling of warmth and intimacy, particularly for people having it in their own homes.”

She said more families were holding funerals in their gardens for a serene atmosphere and spiritual link to nature.