I know you're probably thinking I'm referring to the soul of the recently departed; but actually I'm talking about the use (more appropriately: abuse) of alcohol.
There are many ways to celebrate a person's life - throwing lavish parties, feasts, or gatherings is common in North America (I'm sure it's common other places as well, but with slightly different motives).
I recently read "Funerals As Feasts: Why Are They So Important?" written by Brian Hayden (2009).
A quote that stuck with me (from page 39):
The intentional use of drunkenness
and chaos may be meant to not
only help transform grief but also to
enhance emotional mobility in order
to achieve ulterior political motives.
The bold section perfectly describes how my family celebrates ANYTHING.
Emotions are definitely enhanced when sister starts pouring dad his rum & cokes a little too stiff!
I've always thought this was silly because people get overly emotional and it becomes a competition over who loves someone more, who misses someone more, etc. when a funeral, or even a simple family gathering, shouldn't be a competition to win the affection of the deceased. Not to be insensitive but... They're DEAD! Funerals, in my opinion, are meant to be a celebration of someone who was loved and will be missed very much, someone who would be happy to know that we think of them often but also wants us to carry on with our life.
This article acted as a reminder that other families use alcohol to celebrate a lost loved one. It made me realize that my family comes by it honestly! However, the purpose of alcohol consumption at a funeral isn't always to drown the sorrow Hayden explains. He says that it can be used to gain political power and access to resources. Makes me think of alcohol's other name: truth serum.
George Carlin has a funny take on where the "spirit" of the departed goes after death...It made me laugh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PiZSFIVFiU
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