The History of Mother’s Day Each year on the second Sunday of May, families in the Bronx and across the U.S. gather to celebrate Mother’s Day.  Our staff at Woodlawn Cemetery take the time to acknowledge this important day and all that it means for families throughout our community. Since the 19th century, Mother’s Day has …
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During the month of May, we celebrate the cultures, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.  The first Japanese immigrants came to the U.S. in May 1843 and it was during the same month in 1869 that the transcontinental railroad was completed, a major feat achieved primarily through the hard …
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Pacific Islanders refer to those whose origins are the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific islands.  Pacific Islanders comprise a diverse number of ethnic groups, ancestries, and languages that originated in Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.  Funeral traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific islands show that memorialization takes different forms. Almost …
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With around 3,000 ethnic groups and 2,000 language varieties, Africa is a continent with fascination around every corner.  There are a multitude of ethnic groups in West Africa.  Christianity and Islam have spread widely across West Africa; however, native West African religions and their traditions still influence everyday life in the region. The dazzling diversity of West …
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In the U.S. and Canada, funerals specifically for fallen members of the emergency services are common.  First responder funeral customs reflect honor and respect for their remarkable bravery and service.  Ripe with tradition, police officer and firefighter funerals and memorial services give the proper respect upon the passing of our local heroes who put their lives …
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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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Taoism is a set of traditions and religions that instructs believers on how to exist in harmony with the universe.  Along with Confucianism, Taoism, is one of the two great indigenous religious and philosophical traditions of China, shaping Chinese life for more than 2,000 years.  Taoists prefer to understand the way of nature as whole, emphasizing …
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All April long, National Jazz Month celebrates the heritage and history of the all-American art form.  Soulful and rich, jazz is a veritable language.  Just like any language, jazz has structure and expresses ideas and emotions. Language is what we use to communicate thoughts and feelings.  Music is a universal language and jazz is spoken with all …
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Humanism is a philosophy or worldview that is found throughout time and across the world in many different cultures.  Humanism is a comprehensive, non-religious life stance that affirms human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning to and shape their own lives. Humanists place great importance on thinking and reason as ways people can be …
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Quakers are a diverse global community inspired by the values of harmony, equality, and integrity.  Quakers belong to a historically Protestant Christian set of denominations known as the Religious Society of Friends; members refer to one another simply as “Friend.”  Taking seriously the call to loving enemies and the practice of nonviolence, Quakers seek to experience God …
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