When viewed from a cross-cultural framework, color has been used almost universally to symbolize grief, loss, and healing.  Colors make us feel-they can spark a variety of emotions ranging from comfort and warmth to frustration and anger.  Color conjures up emotions, which in turn influence our behavior. In the West, black has been traditionally associated …
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Meaning “Way of the Saints” in Spanish, Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion merged with Roman Catholic beliefs, is based significantly on the traditions of the Yoruba nation in today’s Nigeria and Benin in West Africa.  Emerging during the 17th century, the Afro-Caribbean religion dating back to the days of slavery has been embedded in Cuban society ever …
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Experiencing loss elicits all kinds of emotions.  People of every culture grieve; feelings of sorrow, loss, and despair are universal.  We don’t just do it-we show it in different ways.  While there’s no way to avoid intense feelings of grief, the range of acceptable emotions and the extent to which that grief and sorrow are …
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Around the world, food is a way to honor the departed and offer comfort to the bereaved.  Through the vehicle of food, mourners come together and support one another during a difficult time.  Especially in times of loss, food provides a sense of community and connection.  Many cultures see food as important aspect in funeral …
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Making end-of-life decisions isn’t easy. Death is a topic that many people find uncomfortable and as a result, often avoid it entirely. At Woodlawn Cemetery, our experienced staff encourages our neighbors in the Bronx to take the time to formulate their final wishes, for their own peace of mind and that of their family. Many …
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Before jazz beats filled the streets of Midtown Manhattan, the sounds of upright pianos playing catchy tunes were heard along Tin Pan Alley. It was back in the days before radio, when every home had a piano and families bought sheet music to play their favorite songs. Through the leaders of the Tin Pan Alley …
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Funeral ceremonies often reflect a person’s cultural traditions.  Not only do funeral rites show respect for the deceased, but also they honor his or her culture and beliefs.   A cultural funeral ceremony is a way for loved ones to celebrate the culture and life of their dearly departed. All cultures and religions have their own unique …
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March is Irish American Heritage Month.  Woodlawn Cemetery pays tribute to the Irish Americans who helped shape New York City’s history. The Irish were among the first European settlers to come to North America in the early 1600s.  Ireland’s 1845 Potato Blight, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, is often credited with launching the second …
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March is Women’s History Month.  Woodlawn celebrates the vital role of women in American history. Women’s suffrage is the right of women by law to vote in national or local elections. The women’s suffrage movement was a decades-long campaign to win the right to vote for women in the United States. Woodlawn has memorialized many incredible …
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The holidays are a time of generosity and gift-giving. Thanksgiving brings with it thoughts of gratitude and appreciation, which often lead to the desire to give back to those around you, whether that’s your church, local homeless shelter, or school system. When the holidays roll around at the end of each year, many begin to …
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