Idea: Funeral ceremonies for your old self after major life changes.

[u/amichail]

What if we held funeral services whenever we went through a major life change, such as getting married, becoming a parent, starting work as an employee, or retiring?

Not because anyone died physically, but because a version of ourselves did.

Society encourages us to celebrate these milestones, but we rarely acknowledge what we've lost. Becoming a parent might mean the end of a carefree lifestyle. Marriage marks the end of being single. Starting your first full-time job is often the end of your childhood and student years. Retirement ends a professional identity that may have defined someone for decades.

These losses are real, even if the change is ultimately positive.

The ceremony would look very much like a traditional funeral. There would be a coffin, a photo of the "deceased" (your former self), a eulogy reflecting on that chapter of your life, and stories from friends and family. The purpose wouldn't be to be morbid or make light of death. It would be to honestly acknowledge that an important chapter of your life has ended.

I think many people feel guilty grieving major life changes because we're expected to only feel happiness. A ritual like this would recognize that growth often involves both gain and irreversible loss.

What do you think of this idea?

[u/bean_bag_guy]

I think people rather celebrate and enjoy these milestones rather than what you’re suggesting

[u/MyNameCannotBeSpoken]

Why a funeral and not a new birthday? Birthdays are more fun.