THANOS
FUNERALS
OF THE FUTURE
DISCOVER NORWAY
EXPLORING
SUSTAINABILITY
IN CEMETERIES
104
MAGAZINE
WINTER 2023
The World Organization of Funeral Operatives
Your World. Your Way. Your Expo.
LIGHT UP YOUR FUTURE!
SHINE WITH THE BRIGHTEST EXPO
AND TRAINING WORKSHOPS
BOLOGNA ITALY
2024
W W W . T A N E X P O . C O M
Organized by: BEXPO s.r.l. – Via Alfieri Maserati 20 – 40128 Bologna ITALY – Ph. +39 051 282611 - info@tanexpo.com
FOLLOW US
WELCOME
TO YOUR
LEVEL
Dear colleagues and friends,
he end of the year is approaching, and I think
it has been successful for us as an organization
– thanks to the efforts of all members and the
commitment of the FIAT-IFTA’s office, we have
initiated many interesting initiatives and successfully
completed important projects and the new ones are
just around the corner!
I am very happy to see how the FIAT-IFTA Heritage
Committee, under the leadership of Mrs. Chen
Yuanyuan thrives. I eagerly look forward to reading
the new Funeral Heritage Report preserving our
global intangible funeral heritage from being
forgotten. Working together, we also conducted
a very well attended and very positively evaluated
the supervised practical embalming workshop in
Barcelona organized by SORTEM in cooperation with
FIAT-IFTA and ALTIMA as part of the FIAT-IFTA’s Global
Education Program, thanks to the cooperation and
support of IATA (International Air Transportation
Association) we have standards related to the
repatriation of human remains by air. We are actively
present at trade fairs and industry meetings, as well
as engaged in social media, attracting the interest
of a broad group of professionals who may not
have been aware of our existence before. Thanks
to all these activities, the number of organization
members is growing. More than 40 professionals
from all over the world joined us in 2023! I am very
encouraged by the fact that they are largely active
members – those who want to actively participate in
the organization’s initiatives, co-create new projects
and take part in initiatives.
It is worth remembering that associations are
as strong as their members are active. Let me
thank every single one of you who is giving time
and resources to FIAT-IFTA – and let me as well
welcome all the new members who are joining our
association to become a part of this community!
Our industry is undoubtedly evolving. The most
important strategic issue we face as an industry all
over the world is changing customer expectations.
This issue of THANOS magazine raises the question
of changing funeral customs but we also give a lot
of space to new paradigms and considerations
for sustainability in the funeral industry. I am very
happy to see the growing interest and engagement
of FIAT-IFTA members in contributing material to
our magazine, sharing their experience, insights
and knowledge.
Collaboration needs dialogue – so I am looking
forward to seeing many of you, in person,
September 18-20, 2024 in Krakow, Poland at 17th
FIAT-IFTA Convention and 53rd FIAT-IFTA I.C.D.
Annual Meeting. I will be delighted to welcome
you to my home country and one of Poland’s most
beautiful cities.
I look forward to meeting you all in 2024 in good
health!
Marek Cichewicz
FIAT-IFTA President
Marek Cichewicz
FIAT-IFTA President
THANOS MAGAZINE
THANOS magazine, the official magazine of FIAT-IFTA
Editor-in-Chief: Katarzyna Supa, e-mail: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Editorial Office: FIAT-IFTA – The World Organization of Funeral Operatives,
Apolloweg 325, 8239DC, Lelystad – NL
Design & DTP: PRZECINEK.studio
All materials are copyrighted. Reprinting and use of materials require
permission from the FIAT-IFTA Office. Editors reserve the right to shorten texts
and change the titles of submitted materials. FIAT-IFTA Office is not liable
for the content of advertisements and promotional materials.
Feel invited to create the Thanos Magazine together with us and advertise your products and services: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Photo by Sándor Kerekes for OTEI
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 104 – WINTER 2023
FIAT-IFTA Heritage Committee
is getting stronger
Professionals from almost all continents are
committing their efforts to preserving intangible
funerary heritage. Specialists from China, Colombia,
Mexico, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Australia,
Austria, Poland, and the Netherlands are participating
in the FIAT-IFTA Heritage Committee. Together
they develop projects that promote intangible
funeral heritage and make valuable contributions
to UNESCO. In order to better coordinate its work,
the Committee, at its last meeting in October,
appointed a Committee Secretary – Mrs. Virginia
Gallardo (Mexico) and a Head of Communications
– Miss Alison Crake (UK).
Part
of
FIAT-IFTA
commitment
within
the
framework of the International NGO Consultative
Status Intangible Cultural Heritage is the
publication of the Funeral Heritage Report. This
report helps our industry to share, learn and
hopefully safeguard funeral traditions and
customs associated with death, funerals and
bereavement that still exist today around the
world. The upcoming edition will be presented
in print and digital versions in 2024 during the
FIAT-IFTA Convention in Krakow (September
18-20, 2024). The publication will be translated
into Chinese, Spanish and French.
All FIAT-IFTA members and those with knowledge
of intangible cultural funeral heritage are
invited to contribute to this unique publication
and submit any cultural expression within the
funeral industry that you believe is important
and worth sharing and preserving. The deadline
for submission is 15th December 2023.
Please send materials to info@thanos.org or
fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Alison Clark,
Committee Head of Communications
Virginia Gallardo,
Committee Secretary
FIAT-IFTA member honoured
with prestigious award
ANUBIS International Assistance, a proud active
member of FIAT-IFTA, has been honoured with the
prestigious ITIJ 2023 award in the “Outstanding
Industry Contribution of the Year” category.
FIAT-IFTA President Marek Cichewicz personally
conveyed to Mr. Dominic Vernhes congratulations
during the ITIC Global Barcelona gala.
The ITIJ awards honour the extraordinary efforts
of companies from all sectors of the travel and
health insurance industry. The ITIJ awards are
designed to recognize and reward companies that
demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity,
innovation in difficult times and leadership through
best practices.
4
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention
in Krakow, Poland is coming!
Mark your calendars for September 18-20, 2024,
that’s when we meet at the 17th FIAT-IFTA Convention
and 53rd ICD Annual Meeting of FIAT-IFTA 2024 in
Krakow, Poland.
Why should you attend the FIAT-IFTA 2024
International Convention in Krakow, Poland?
How to make the most of this meeting? You will
soon read on the official website of the event.
Stay tuned for updates! Follow us on Facebook,
Instagram and LinkedIn.
Every FIAT-IFTA meeting is an excellent opportunity
to establish international contacts, to build
relationships, which are the basis of any business.
From them, business cooperation begins.
See you in Krakow!
Outstanding jubilee
This year the Rowland Brothers International
Company, part of Rowland Brothers Group,
a proud member of FIAT-IFTA, is celebrating an
amazing 150th anniversary! On this occasion Marek
Cichewicz, president of FIAT-IFTA and Emerson De
Luca, international secretary of FIAT-IFTA presented
certificate of appreciation to Mr. Steve Rowland,
Mr. Joe Walkling and Ms. Fiona Greenwood.
Established in 1873, Rowland Brothers is a family-
run firm of funeral directors that has been serving
the needs of bereaved families in Croydon and the
surrounding areas. During this time, the company
has earned an enviable reputation for excellence in
the traditions of funeral direction, funeral services
and reliability. Currently three generations of the
Rowland Family work in daily services: Chairman
Tony Rowland (4th), Managing Director Steve
Rowland (5th) and Joe Rowland (6th).
FIAT-IFTA Board extends its congratulations and
appreciation for outstanding service to the funeral
industry through the decades.
ADVERTISEMENT
MEMBERS’ NEWS
The 6th Grave Digging
Competition in Hungary
The Grave Digging Competition is organized
by MTFE: Magyarországi Temetőfenntartók és
Üzemeltetők Egyesülete – Hungarian Association
of Cemetery Maintainers and Operators. Over the
six years, this concept has significantly changed
people’s perceptions of cemetery service providers
in the heart of Europe and has visibly contributed
to breaking down taboos surrounding death.
During the first event in 2016, it was still a side event
of a funeral exhibition, but from 2017 onwards,
MTFE organized it as a standalone event. The
Grave Digger Competition started as a professional
challenge, but the media always surrounded the
event. In the first two editions, only a handful
of journalists paid attention, and their opinions
shaped the public sentiment, resulting in many
negative headlines about the competition’s aim to
recognize the professionalism of gravediggers.
Feeling the pressure themselves, our association
changed its communication strategy. We promoted
the next Grave Digger Competition openly, touching
emotions and highlighting the challenges of the
profession. Well-timed and stated news reports
about the preparations sensitized the media’s
approach, allowing us to convey the feelings and
needs of the profession to those outside it.
This year’s Grave Digger Competition took place
on September 9 in Nyíregyháza, where 16 teams
competed against each other and battled the
compact soil. In the first event, they had to dig
a grave measuring 200 cm x 80 cm x 160 cm in
2 hours. Besides speed, precision in measurements
New ALPAR Board
of Directors
The relevance of the dynamic relationship
between FIAT IFTA and ALPAR over the years
has produced significant benefits for each
association, its members, and the industry
on a global scale. In continuation of this path
of strengthening, we are pleased to share
with you the latest news in the organizational
structure of ALPAR, which will be accurate
drivers of progress and development for ALPAR
Association and the continuation of unity with
its counterpart entities on the international
stage. On September 28th, in Santiago, Chile, the
Eighteenth Ordinary General Assembly of ALPAR
Members was held, during which the election
of the Board of Directors for the 2023-2025
period was ratified. Likewise, the positions of
President. Vice President, and Secretary of the
Association were elected for the same period:
• President: Andrés Aguilar, Guatemala
• Vice President: Juan Pablo Donetch, Chile
• Secretary: Jimena Ceballos, Colombia
• Juan Camilo Tavera, Mexico
• Isabel Cristina Arango, Colombia
• Rafael Azevedo Flores, Brazil
• Gisela Dardengo Adissi, Brazil
• Marco Antonio Girón, Mexico
• Sergi Martínez, Spain
Congratulations to our ALPAR colleagues and
wishing you lots of success!
6
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
A deep and comforting film
about funeral professionals
It might interest our Canadian members to
watch! After a successful tour of the festival
circuit,
Georges
Hannan’s
award-winning
documentary “Undertaker for Life!” (“Croque-
mort. Cest beau la vie !”) was launched on
October 31, and is available indefinitely on
https://www.nfb.ca/film/undertaker-for-life .
This authentic film that’s full of humanity,
Georges Hannan tackles a taboo subject and
lifts the veil on an underappreciated world: that
of the artisans of bereavement. By providing
behind-the-scenes
access
to
the
funeral
industry, he demystifies a profession we tend to
view as grim.
Let’s welcome new members of FIAT-IFTA
We are happy to welcome 16 new members of
our organization! Since August 2023, we have
been joined by 8 Active Members and 8 Associate
Members. Please welcome:
Active Members:
• Àltima Group from Spain
• ARCAE – Unicoffin Group from Spain
• Funeral and repatriation home ELPIS
from Czech Republic
• Lexxika Ltd. from United Kingdom
• PBSGEO GMBH from Germany
• Perches Funeral Homes From Mexico
• PRINCIVALI International from Croatia
• UAB Laidojimo Paslaugų Centras from Lithuania
Associate Members:
• Compagnie St-Charles from Canada
• Dimou Funeral & Repatriation Services
from Greece
• Ease Assist from Egypt
• Fair Farewell ApS from Denmark
• Glaz Bridge S.R.O. from Czech Republic
• Margret LLC from Belarus
• Tadblu from Belgium
• Status Funerals – Celebration of Life from South Africa
If you wish to expand your network to enhance
the global exposure of your services, apply for
FIAT-IFTA Membership by sending an e-mail at
info@thanos.org .
was essential because if the jury’s cage didn’t fit
into the grave, the team would be disqualified.
The champion of the competition was Team
Paraklétosz 1. from Hajduböszörmény, with a time
of 52 minutes and 16 seconds. After the size check,
the special contest called “Grave Burial” followed.
In this competition, teams had to shovel back
around 3 tons of soil into the grave and create an
aesthetically pleasing grave mound in 15 minutes.
The jury judged the aesthetics in this competition,
and the Székesfehérvár Városgondnokság team
won. In the “Flower Planting” creative task, teams
had 15 minutes to plant 24 pansies as tastefully as
possible on the grave mound and water them.
The competition took place amid significant
media attention. The VI. MTFE Grave Digging
Competition already made it to the evening news
with a positive tone on national television. The
media’s 100% positive attitude is now guiding
public opinion in the right direction, not only
regarding funeral culture but also in recognizing
funeral service providers, which is important for
gravedigger colleagues. Likewise, valuing the work
of gravediggers is essential for funeral companies
in terms of workforce development.
MTFE
(Magyarországi
Temetőfenntartók
és
Üzemeltetők Egyesülete) – Hungarian Association
of Cemetery Maintainers and Operators is proud
to actively promote these values through the
Grave Digging Competition. You can watch their
short film that was a finalist at the 2019 Cannes
Film Festival here .
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 104 – WINTER 2023
MEMBERS’ NEWS
DISCOVER NORWAY
VIRKE GRAVFERD – NATIONAL FIAT-IFTA MEMBER
By Åse Skrøvset, Executive Director
of Funeral Federation of Norway/Virke Gravferd, Norway
8
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Virke Gravferd is part of the main organization Virke,
which organizes the trade and service industry in
Norway. The main organization Virke has around
25,000 members, of which 320 are funeral homes
and belong to our part of the organization. I started
as Executive Director for Virke Gravferd on the 1st
of March this year. My education is in landscape
architecture, and I started my career in consulting
firms where, among other things, I designed many
cemeteries. This commitment led me to a position
as a National Cemetery Adviser and later Specialist
Head of cemeteries at the County Governor. In my
new position as Executive Director for the funeral
sector, the focus will shift from the burial ground to
the funeral. I see this as an exciting and challenging
job where appearing as a unifying leader for the
funeral sector will be important in the following
years. As leader, I want to be accessible and
welcoming to our members. We live in a time where
major changes are taking place on many levels and
building competence among members to be able
to meet these in a good way will be an important
focus area. Creating good framework conditions for
the funeral industry is also essential and will have
a high priority.
Norway is a country with a low population density
and long distances. We have traditionally had many
small, individual funeral homes in this country.
In recent years, there has been a development
in that more and more companies are joining an
association or chain. This provides many advantages,
including a professional network, better purchasing
arrangements and the possibility of assistance
when demanding situations arise. All funeral homes
in Norway are private and Virke Gravferd organizes
around 90% of them. In 2022, 45,774 people died
in Norway, which gives a mortality rate of 8.4%. The
number of deaths increased by more than 10% from
the previous year and is related to the COVID-19
pandemic. The churchyards and cemeteries are, with
few exceptions, public and for everyone regardless
of faith or outlook on life. There are around 2,200
of them scattered throughout the country. Many of
the churchyards were built in the Middle Ages and
have high cultural heritage value. The proportion
choosing cremation is rising and in 2022 47.9% of
the dead were cremated. The cremation rate varies
from municipality to municipality and is highest
in and around the capital of Oslo. The scattering
of ashes was opened at the end of the 1990s and
last year 926, which corresponds to 4% of those
cremated, were scattered in nature.
The funeral homes face many challenges in the
coming years. One of them is safeguarding a good
reputation. The funeral business depends on trust,
and we must work to ensure that everyone delivers
a good job every time. In the past, it was the case
that all burials took place according to the Church
of Norway's arrangements and the vast majority
were buried in coffins at the local cemetery. This is
no longer the case. Today, the bereaved’ s wishes
are more varied both in terms of products and
services. The funeral homes must keep up with
the times and deliver what the customers want
to be competitive and be perceived as relevant
to the bereaved. There are also increasingly
more demands and expectations placed on the
funeral homes like all other businesses. We see
this particularly within the environment and
sustainability and digitalisation. As serious and
professional businesses, it is important that we
tackle these challenges ourselves, are innovative
and solution-oriented and collaborate cross-
functionally to find good solutions.
Virke Gravferd wants to be associated with FIAT-IFTA
because we see the value of cooperation and
knowledge sharing across national borders.
Contact information: ase.skrovset@virke.no
The funeral homes face
many challenges in the
coming years. One of them
is safeguarding a good
reputation. The funeral
business depends on trust,
and we must work to ensure
that everyone delivers
a good job every time.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Expectations related to funerals are changing. Many
countries are experiencing a significant increase in
the number of cremations compared to traditional
burials. There are at least a few reasons for this
– the first is financial, related to the affluence
of societies (cremation is usually cheaper), and
the second is related to the availability of space
in cemeteries. There is a growing interest in
aquamation and terramation, although it still
represents a minimal percentage of all funerals.
Increasingly, clients expect at least some form of
personalization of the funeral, whether through
its setting or the personal involvement of the
family in decorating the coffin or urn. There is
also a growing interest in nonreligious funerals.
Families expect more environmentally friendly
funerals and cemeteries that are more for the living
than for the deceased (should resemble green
parks, conducive to reflection and meditation).
Digital solutions are everywhere. We use them in
the management of funeral businesses, but also
for the notifications of death and to celebrate the
memory of the deceased. Digital cemeteries are
also emerging – technology allows us to preserve
the resting place in memory, especially when the
funeral takes place in memorial forests or we
are scattering ashes. Most of us lead a digital life
every day, so it's not surprising that our death,
funeral, and mourning experience are also
becoming digital. Startups are offering emerging
interactive funeral ceremonies in virtual reality,
apps supporting the grieving process, and online
support groups. AI helps us write obituaries and
even brings the deceased to life based on their
previous recordings or preserved photos. The
topic of death has become more present in our
lives "thanks to" the pandemic, the climate crisis,
the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East...
We talk more willingly and with less taboo about
death, dedicating more attention to mourning and
psychological support during this time.
These are my observations, but what do
FIAT-IFTA members have to say?
In this issue of THANOS magazine, we pose the
question of changing funeral customs – what
matters the most: tradition or modernity? We
wanted to know the opinions, perspectives,
insights, and experiences of our members
regarding the changes in funeral customs and
what actions they are taking to meet the new
expectations of families. What do our members
say? You will find the statements below and on
the following pages of this issue of THANOS
magazine.
FUNERALS OF THE FUTURE
WILL WE KEEP OUR HUMANITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE?
By Katarzyna Supa, funeral innovation researcher,
editor-in-chief THANOS magazine
Photo: Jon Tyson on Unsplash
10
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC
READ MORE
MAIN TOPIC
Plaza de la Tecnología, 2 Nave 5 - 08223 Terrassa
T + 34 93 143 54 70 info@sortem.es - www.sortem.es
@sortemdelivery
The decision
to return to nature
Photo: private archive
In Hungary, the funeral landscape has undergone
a significant
transformation.
Now
70%
of
funerals are cremation, 30% are burial using
coffins but 20-25 years ago; this ratio was exactly
the opposite. The recent shift over the past 5-6
years involves a new trend where the ashes
from cremations are taken home. Unfortunately,
the number of ashes taken home is increasing
year by year, and this has led to a growing
issue of misplaced ashes, with urns turning up
in unexpected and inappropriate locations like
garbage containers, rivers, lakes, and forest
clearings. This concerning trend prompted us
to launch an information campaign to highlight
the associated problems and suggest alternative
ways to handle ashes (details available at
www.magyartemetkezes.hu ).
The main challenges we encounter in Hungary
are rooted in contemporary societal issues.
Financial constraints resulting from
social
apathy and a desire for quick, easy funeral
solutions pose a significant hurdle. Moreover, the
impact of a 15-16% annual economic inflation
adds complexity, leading more people to opt for
the cheapest funeral options due to financial
constraints. Changing burial customs in this
context becomes a formidable task.
Károly Balogh
CEO of Karsol Company, vice president of
Hungarian Funeral Association OTEI, Hungary
ADVERTISEMENT
Photo: Peleman press service
In Belgium and globally, while there’s a notable digital
acceleration in funeral practices, such as live streaming
and digital memorials, there’s a simultaneous return
to tangible, personal rituals, reflecting a deeper need
for physical connection and personalisation in times
of grief. These changes, while becoming more visible,
particularly in urban areas and amongst younger
generations, are still considered niche compared
to long-standing traditional practices. However,
their presence is growing as societal values evolve.
At Peleman, we understand that even in today’s
digital world, people yearn for something real to
hold onto. We offer personalised keepsakes that
truly capture the essence of a loved one, blending
modern trends with the comforting tradition of
tangible memories. Whether it’s through a heartfelt
storybook or a cherished photo, we bring both heart
and innovation to help families remember and
celebrate their loved ones in their own special way.
In today’s funeral industry, a mix of challenges arises.
Tech-wise, the shift towards digital solutions, like
funeral livestreams, calls for balancing innovation with
personal touch and privacy. Here, Peleman’s products
offer a tangible memory, bridging the gap between
the digital and the heartfelt. Environmentally,
there’s a push towards greener practices. From
a psychological angle, understanding diverse grieving
processes is crucial; Peleman’s products help families
channel emotions and maintain a lasting connection
with their loved ones. The rise of new rituals
emphasises the need for flexibility and personal
choices, and with changing family expectations,
there is a move towards more personalised services,
where Peleman’s customised memory products play
a key role. Navigating these challenges is pivotal for
the industry’s present and future success.
Luc Augustinus
VP International Business Development
PELEMAN, Belgium
Spain is a country in which the provision of funeral
and cemetery services has evolved significantly in
recent years, to adapt to the needs of families and
the evolution of society. One of the most important
changes has been the growth of cremations. In 2017,
38% of the deceased were cremated and in 2022, it
was 55%. This ratio, in some areas such as large cities,
is higher (for example, in Barcelona it is 63%). The
increase in cremation has also led to the creation of
new, in some cases very imaginative, spaces for the
destination of ashes in cemeteries, funeral homes and
other public spaces.
Another relevant change that has occurred in the
funeral sector in Spain is the increase in secular
ceremonies, which are held in funeral home oratories;
in 2022 they represented 15% of the total number of
ceremonies.
The impact on the environment of funeral activity is
an aspect to which companies give more and more
importance, investing in solar panels in the facilities,
electric vehicles, and measures to reduce emissions
from crematoriums or reduction of water consumption.
Digitalization and new technologies are and will be
a key element to interact with families who suffer
a death, in the society of immediacy in which we live.
At the same time, we must be able to ensure that they
are tools to facilitate the personalization of the service
and not lose the essence of funeral rituals, which
facilitate the management of mourning, such as seeing
the deceased, holding a wake, holding a ceremony, and
accompanying the final destination in the cemetery.
This
statistical
data
was
published
in
the
2023 Radiography of the funeral sector prepared
by PANASEF (National Association of Funeral Services
of Spain). If you would like to learn more about the
Spanish funeral market, I cordially invite you to read
this publication.
Josep Ventura
representative of PANASEF for the FIAT-IFTA, Spain
Photo: private archive
12
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC
CHALLENGES
OF THE FUNERAL
INDUSTRY IN CHILE
FROM TRADITIONAL
TO MODERN FUNERALS
By Felipe León Pino,
Commercial manager
at Los Valles Funeral Home, Chile
uneral rites in Chile vary depending
on
the
religious
beliefs
of
the
deceased person and their family.
The
predominant
religion
in
Chile
is
Catholicism,
therefore
Catholic
ceremonies are common at funerals.
However, ceremonies of other religious
denominations are also carried out.
The typical element is the wake at the deceased's
home or in a funeral home, where friends and
family gather to pay their respects. Flowers and
photographs of the deceased are on display. The
body of the deceased is placed in a hermetically
sealed coffin where only the face can be seen
through a glass window during the wake. After
the funeral, it is common for family and friends to
congregate and share memories at the family home.
It is an opportunity to provide emotional support,
family members are expected to undergo a period
of mourning after the loss of a loved one. This will
include wearing dark clothing and avoiding festive
activities for a while.
During the COVID pandemic, there was a change
in the way of wake, and an increase in cremation
funeral services was seen. Since then, it has
gained popularity, and it accounts for 1/3 of the
funeral rites at the moment. Many families choose
cremation instead of traditional burial, whether for
religious, economic or environmental reasons. What
is more, a trend has been observed towards the
personalization of funerals. Families are choosing
funeral services that reflect the life and interests of
the deceased. This can include music, photographs,
and decorative items that have special meaning.
Technology has been integrated into funerals in
various ways. For example, online broadcasts, the
use of social networks and memorial websites to
share memories and tributes online.
Chile has seen an increase in cultural and religious
diversity lately, which can influence customs and
rituals. This is how the funeral industry faces
a series of challenges in multiple areas, ranging from
technology and ecology to psychology and family
expectations. Therefore, the industry needs to keep
up with emerging technologies to offer more efficient
and personalized services. This includes online
record management and streaming services for
virtual funerals (it is always important to protect the
privacy of the deceased and their families). Growing
environmental awareness is developing a demand
for the reduction of environmental impact and
for the industry to become “eco-friendly,” with the
incorporation and implementation of processes that
generate less pollution.
Another important aspect to consider is emotional
support: the funeral industry should provide
counseling services and support groups. People's
mental health is an underexplored area and the
percentage of funeral homes that implement
bereavement services is minimal.
At Funeraria Los Valles our staff meets with families,
resulting in a personalized funeral service, where
the process is experienced as a celebration of life
and family expectations are met. In this process we
ensure the families are made aware of the options
for funeral services available and the associated
costs, fighting a sad trend in Chile regarding the lack
of transparency in billing and affordability. This is
another great challenge for the industry.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 104 – WINTER 2023
13
MAIN TOPIC
amilies nowadays have different needs
and desires compared to previous
generations. Based on my experience,
they seek convenience, flexibility, and
personalized
experiences
in
various
aspects of their lives. At our company,
we have recognized these shifts in family
expectations and have taken proactive
steps to meet them head-on.
By actively listening to our customers' feedback and
staying informed about industry trends, we strive
to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to meeting
the ever-changing expectations of modern families.
This includes online platforms and social media
for easy booking or purchasing, as well as digital
tools that streamline communication and provide
quick access to information 24/7. Families want to
know all the process of the funeral ceremony, they
want to have a digital obituary so they can publish
it on their social media channels. We do not have
on our web page a digital obituary published but
families do want to have a digital obituary for their
home and friends. For flower ordering now we can
arrange a family group on online communicators
so every member can write their wish and we can
all together decide the details even when some
family members live abroad. WhatsApp and Viber
groups are simple and good digital applications
that can make our work more efficient.
The traditional funeral model in Croatia has long
been characterized by somber ceremonies, religious
rituals, and burial practices that have remained
CHANGES IN FAMILY
EXPECTATIONS
WHICH WE ARE
TRYING TO MEET
By Tomislav Princivali, CEO Princivali International, Croatia
14
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC
relatively unchanged for generations. However,
as society evolves and new perspectives emerge,
we are witnessing a shift in funeral customs that
reflects our changing values and priorities. After
COVID, we are witnessing changes in the Catholic
church's funeral rites and ceremonies. In our town,
Trogir, 6 of 7 priests do not hold a holy mass at the
funeral, but only a short ceremony so the whole
ceremony takes 40 minutes or less. Also, we notice
that more families want to have large pictures of
their loved ones at the ceremony, they pick nice
smiling pictures and they celebrate the life of the
person.
With the rise of digital platforms and social media
such as Facebook or WhatsApp families now have
the opportunity to create online memorials and
share memories of their loved ones with a broader
audience. More and more families publish their
loved one's death or birthday anniversaries,
they publish the picture of their loved one and
share family memories. This allows for greater
accessibility and connection and transcends
geographical boundaries as well as encourage
some people and friends to order flower for the
grave.
Another
aspect
that
is
influencing
the
transformation of funeral customs is an increased
focus
on
sustainability.
As
environmental
consciousness grows, more individuals are asking
about eco-friendly alternatives such as natural
burials or cremation with biodegradable urns
made of natural wood. Sea funerals are also
gaining popularity. Over the last 10 years, we had
around one sea funeral ceremony request per year
and it has now become a monthly recurrence.
People are recognizing the importance of grieving
and honoring their loved ones in ways that promote
healing and emotional well-being. This has led to
the emergence of personalized ceremonies that
celebrate life rather than focusing solely on death.
Families now want to choose personal music that
the deceased person loved, they choose acapella
singers and photographs, so they can keep the
memory of the whole ceremony. Psychological
support in grief was something that no one wanted
to talk about in the past and now it happens more
often that families ask us if we have somebody
who can help them in their grief.
Furthermore, expectations have evolved over time,
leading to a departure from rigid traditions towards
more individualized approaches to funerals.
In our funeral service HRVOJKA and repatriation
service PRINCIVALI families now have greater
autonomy in designing personalized experiences
that reflect the unique personality and preferences
of their departed loved ones. Families now can
decide what type of funeral ceremony they would
like, do they want a public funeral or a quiet family
ceremony, they can decide if they want a long
procession and holy mass or a short walk and only
a short ceremony.
One of the biggest challenges faced by the funeral
industry in the modern era is the incorporation of
technology into funeral services. Technology has
revolutionized many industries, and the funeral
industry is no exception. We can now provide virtual
funeral services, allowing families to attend funeral
services remotely, and technology is being used
to create personalized memorial experiences for
families. However, the challenge lies in balancing
traditional funeral practices with new technological
advancements while still maintaining the sanctity
and respect of the funeral service.
On the one hand, it is important for us to preserve
our traditions, and on the other hand, it is good to
have knowledge of different customs in different
countries. In my opinion, it is good for funeral
directors to see the changes that are happening
around us so that we can understand the needs of
families and move forward in responding to them.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 104 – WINTER 2023
15
MAIN TOPIC
e are talking to Mrs. Munkhzaya
Mendbayar, CEO of “Ulaanbaatar
Buyan” LLC and “New Cemetery” LLC,
who is leading the way in advancing
and modernizing the funeral industry
in Mongolia. She is also involved in
redeveloping old cemeteries, keeping
them up to date with the changing needs
and expectations of the community.
Mrs. Mendbayar represents the next
generation of leaders in the funeral
industry, committed to taking it to
new heights and ensuring its continued
development.
KATARZYNA SUPA: Could you please share
your insights on the evolving landscape of
the funeral industry in Mongolia, given your
extensive experience in the field?
MUNKHZAYA
MENDBAYAR:
The
funeral
industry in Mongolia has undergone significant
changes in recent years, reflecting shifts in
cultural norms, urbanization, and environmental
considerations. Traditionally, state-run entities
primarily provided funeral services, but there
has been a notable transition towards private
companies, driven by a growing demand for
more personalized and diverse funeral services.
There are more than 40 privately owned funeral
companies in Mongolia.
The funeral market in Mongolia comprises a mix of
state-owned cemeteries permitting land usage to
private companies. This diversity has introduced
innovation and competition, providing consumers
with a more comprehensive range of options.
The first cemetery facility was established in
2004. Cremation has been gaining popularity,
particularly in urban areas. The cremation rate
currently stands at 7.6%, reflecting a shift towards
more environmentally friendly practices. Due to
the availability of the facilities, the cremation rate
is high in the capital city.
The availability of burial space, including cemeteries,
is a significant concern. The land used for burials
has been increased to 96.4 hectares over the past
five years. This has prompted discussions about
sustainable land use and cemetery management,
particularly in urban areas with limited space. In
response to the evolving needs of consumers,
businesses specializing in funeral products, such
as caskets, urns, and related items, have emerged
to meet these demands. But they are still catching
up to the international standards and trends.
The Mongolian Funeral Association plays a pivotal
role in the industry. It is a unifying body that fosters
collaboration
among
stakeholders,
including
funeral companies and related businesses. The
association contributes to establishing industry
standards, sharing best practices, and promoting
AT A CROSSROADS
WHERE TRADITION
MEETS MODERNITY
Interviewer: Katarzyna Supa
Photo: private archive
16
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC
ethical and professional conduct among its
members. Its role is essential in upholding the
quality and integrity of funeral services and
fostering unity within the sector.
K.S.: What are the funeral industry’s significant
challenges?
M.M.: The funeral industry in Mongolia faces
several substantial challenges:
First: Balancing Tradition and Modernity. Adapting
to the evolving needs and expectations of the
population while preserving cultural traditions is
a delicate balance. There is a growing awareness
of the importance of safeguarding Mongolia’s
rich
funeral
heritage
while
accommodating
contemporary trends.
Second:
Environmental
Sustainability.
With
urbanization on the rise, available land for
cemeteries is becoming scarcer. Given the limited
space available, this poses a pressing concern
for ensuring environmentally sustainable burial
practices.
Third:
Economic
and
Demographic
Factors.
Economic factors, infrastructure development,
and changing demographics impact the industry’s
dynamics. These factors influence the demand
for funeral services and the approach taken by
providers.
K.S.: I think we all are eager to learn more
about the funeral culture in Mongolia. I know
that you have conducted extensive research
on traditional funeral practices across all
21 provinces of Mongolia from 2016 to 2023.
What are the enduring traditions of Mongolian
funeral culture that are still observed? In your
opinion, what does it mean to properly nurture
funeral culture, and how is this culture shaped
in times of such a large cultural mix as we are
currently experiencing in many countries?
M.M.: Mongolia has a rich and deeply rooted funeral
culture that spans many centuries. Traditional
practices are still observed and play a significant
role in the grieving and commemorative processes.
Some enduring traditions include Rituals Related
to the Preparation of the Deceased. These rituals
involve the deceased’s careful washing, dressing,
and grooming. It’s a process guided by profound
respect and is often carried out by family members.
Mongolian funeral ceremonies commonly involve
offerings to ancestral spirits. These offerings can
include food, milk, and other symbolic items. The
belief is that these offerings ensure a peaceful and
favorable journey for the departed soul. Traditional
ceremonies celebrate the deceased’s life. Stories,
anecdotes, and memories are shared, emphasizing
the positive aspects of their life journey. Families
often maintain strong connections to traditional
burial sites in the countryside. These sites are
revered, and customs related to their care and
upkeep are observed.
In Mongolia, there is a continuing and profound
importance placed on preserving and fostering
these traditions. They are seen as an integral
part of the country’s cultural heritage, and many
families continue to practice these customs
with great respect. Preserving these traditions
serves several important purposes. Traditional
funeral practices are fundamental to Mongolia’s
Photos tell a story
Become our distributor
and give those pictures a voice
In a world where words fade away, our products ensure
the story lasts. Join us a distributor and
let memories speak
info@peleman.com
00800 73 53 62 60
peleman.com/distributor
Peleman Industries
MAIN TOPIC
ADVERTISEMENT
cultural identity. They connect people to their
roots and provide a sense of continuity with their
ancestors. These traditions offer a structured
and meaningful way for individuals and families
to cope with loss and grief. They provide a sense
of closure and connection to the past. Funerals
and related customs bring communities together.
They strengthen social bonds and demonstrate
a support network during challenging times.
Traditional funeral practices often embody cultural
and ethical values. Preserving these traditions
helps share these values with the next generation.
Properly
nurturing
funeral
culture
involves
balancing preserving traditions and adapting to
the contemporary cultural mix. In Mongolia, as in
many countries, this balance is achieved through:
Education and Awareness. Creating awareness
about the cultural significance of funeral traditions
is essential. Education helps people understand
the value of these customs in a modern context.
While preserving core traditions, flexibility is crucial
to adapt to changing social and cultural dynamics.
Customizing ceremonies to meet the preferences
and beliefs of the bereaved is one way to maintain
the traditions’ relevance. Ensuring families can
choose between traditional and modern funeral
practices is important. Respect for individual
choices is integral to preserving traditions.
Encouraging community involvement and support
during funerals and related ceremonies fosters
a sense of unity and shared cultural identity.
The challenge lies in balancing tradition with the
influence of globalization and urbanization. While
cultural mixing is inevitable in the modern world,
nurturing funeral culture means preserving the
essence of traditions while allowing them to evolve
and adapt to contemporary needs. The enduring
importance of these traditions ensures they
remain a vital part of Mongolian cultural heritage.
K.S.: Under your leadership, “New Cemetery”
LLC
has
achieved
significant
milestones,
successfully
implementing
infrastructure
projects and contributing to urban development
in Mongolia. Please provide a brief overview of
this project, outlining its main objectives and
highlighting its significance.
Under my leadership, “New Cemetery” LLC has
indeed
accomplished
significant
milestones,
focusing
on
infrastructure
projects
and
their contributions to urban development in
Mongolia. Our efforts have included extensive
initiatives, such as planting 120,000 trees and
shrubs, installing 7,000 tons of headstones, and
developing a substantial land area totaling 105.7
hectares for cemetery infrastructure. Additionally,
we are actively engaged in a project dedicated
to establishing a funeral information and service
center, which is a visionary undertaking aimed at
addressing several crucial objectives. First of all
the center seeks to provide a centralized source of
complete information related to funeral services,
processes, and available options. It will be
a valuable resource for industry professionals and
the general public. One of the primary objectives is
to offer emotional and practical support to grieving
families. We want to make funeral planning more
straightforward during challenging times and
provide assistance when needed. The project
strongly emphasizes promoting eco-friendly and
sustainable burial practices. We seek to educate
the public about environmentally conscious
options and advocate for responsible cemetery
management. Beyond its immediate role in the
funeral industry, the center aspires to contribute to
urban development. It encourages the integration
of cemeteries into the urban landscape as green
spaces.
This
innovative
approach
balances
memorialization, cultural preservation, and urban
functionality harmoniously.
The significance of the Funeral Information
and Service Center Project lies in its potential to
revolutionize funeral services in Mongolia and
inspire cemetery managers in other countries.
By providing a centralized source of information,
the center will improve the quality of funeral
services in Mongolia. It will empower families with
knowledge, ensure more transparent processes,
and support eco-conscious choices. The project
aligns with modern urban planning principles
that recognize cemeteries as valuable green
spaces within cities. This approach promotes
sustainability and environmental preservation
while contributing to urban aesthetics. The project’s
innovative approach to cemetery management
and sustainability can inspire cemetery managers
worldwide. It demonstrates that cemeteries can
be integrated into urban landscapes, providing
memorialization and community and ecological
benefits. I am sure that our experience can
inspire and provide valuable insights for cemetery
managers and urban planners looking to embrace
sustainable, eco-friendly, and community-centric
approaches to cemetery development.
K.S.: We are eager to invite all readers to
explore this initiative in the next issue of
Thanos magazine.
18
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC
CHANGING
FUNERAL
CUSTOMS
TRADITION OR
THE MODERN WAY?
By Dipl. Eng. Nikolay Chalakov, Bodystorer
and Atanas Argirov, Chairman of U.F.C.B.
and Treasurer of FIAT IFTA, Bulgaria
he funeral traditions of the Balkan
peoples have many similarities because
of their common religious affiliation. The
church plays a leading role in preserving
Christian burial traditions. Pagan ones such
as opening doors and windows, covering
the mirror, and stopping the wall clock at
the approach of death are still common.
These days, customs are observed less and
less due to the change of environment and
lifestyle. Often, according to the Christian
canon, it is still observed to leave the body
of the deceased at home to await the
gathering of relatives.
At Bodystorer, as a brand that helps to preserve
the dead for longer, we develop different types
of refrigerators that, in an environment of rising
temperatures, solve the challenge of hygiene
and comfort for the bereaved. In the past, anti-
decomposition ice moulds were placed around the
body, and the modern solution is to use a refrigerated
lid with a window mounted on the coffin that allows
the body to be stored for more than a week. Even
among Muslims, where the body must be buried
within 24 hours, there is a demand for refrigerated
storage.
In Bulgaria, the level of funeral services still lags
behind European standards, and there are many
reasons for this. Challenges are the lack of adequate
legislation and the influence of the church, which lead
to a lack of motivation to qualify funeral agents, lack
of staff, low levels of automation and introduction of
new technologies. These are some of the reasons why
embalming of the deceased is still rare.
More and more funeral home owners are realizing
the need for new knowledge and using global best
practices as a long-term development investment.
To address these issues and provide support, in
partnership with the Union of the Funeral Companies
in Bulgaria (U.F.C.B.) we plan to organize a series
of training sessions led by international experts
starting in March 2024. We are also starting work on
a project to create the funeral home of the future. In
it, a human will perform only highly skilled activities
related to handling on the body of the deceased, and
activities such as removing the deceased from the
hearse, moving and putting the deceased into the cold
chamber, placing on a table, will be automated. We
are developing a platform that will help the common
citizen to find and communicate with an appropriate
funeral home faster in a difficult time, raise awareness
of the population about the availability of new options
for the care of the deceased, etc. Then services like
eco-burial, use of bio-enzymes, embalming with
natural materials will create demand, pressure to
change legislation and opportunity for business
growth. With the platform, agencies will maintain
a long-term relationship with the family by sending
notifications on certain occasions, which increases
the sense of community and empathy.
New technologies and AI are helping us connect more
easily, but they will never replace empathy, human
regard and personal empathy in difficult moments
– these are the skills of the future.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 104 – WINTER 2023
19
MAIN TOPIC
THE DIRT ON NATURAL
ORGANIC REDUCTION
Article from NFDA’s Memorial Business Journal, USA
atural organic reduction has been
gaining interest across the consumer
spectrum. A number of articles have
appeared in consumer media about the
process, and at present, six states permit
natural organic reduction and several
others are considering bills. Washington
passed legislation in 2019, and Return
Home opened for business in the state
in June 2021. Another 15 states have
bills pending. Return Home provides
an end-of-life service legally known as
natural organic reduction. The company
uses
the
term
“terramation”
and
describes it as the process of a gentle
transformation into soil after someone
has died.
NFDA’s own research has found that consumers
are curious about the process. How curious?
Well, a look at Return Home’s presence on
social media would explain why articles on the
process to pop up from time to time. Each post
garners thousands of likes, with one post actually
receiving more than 52 million likes.
At the recent NFDA Cremation Success Seminar,
Return Home COO Brienna Smith and services
manager Katey Houston discussed their business
model and how it fits into today’s end-of-life
discussions.
Smith began by explaining the origin of the
term “terramation.” “We do not call cremation
‘human incineration,’ and for us, the term ‘human
composting’ is just a little bit difficult to take,”
she said. “It’s easier for us to talk to our families
having this earth transformation, or the process of
becoming, so terramation covers that and makes
it a little bit easier to talk to families about.”
Return Home built a facility in Auburn, Washington.
It is a licensed funeral home and natural organic
reduction provider in the state, with an 11,500
square-foot facility.
“We have a lot of visitors, sometimes even
multiple families at once,” offered Smith. “We
have a 74-vessel capacity… so we are the largest in
operation as far as our space.
“We are actually able to serve families not only
from Washington state but from all over the United
States and even Canada from our facility because
it’s just so close to an international airport,” she
added. Return Home is also like a normal funeral
home where visitors can walk in Monday through
Friday from 9 a.m.-5p.m.
20
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC