BEFITTING BURIAL

I have known, for some time now, that I see some things differently from the way majority see them. I question a lot of things and reason on why certain things, which others see as important, should be a norm.
There are also some practices that seem normal or necessary but are highly unimportant in my opinion. One of them is the concept of a befitting burial. I have heard the words "befitting burial" from movies, people and even read about them.

In my little mind, I'm of the opinion that resources should not be lavished on certain things, including a burial ceremony, in the manner that i see in the Nigerian society. This is because I believe no matter how old someone lived, they'd still be missed by very close relatives, and there'd still be a little pain, even though we are grateful they lived to a full age.
Besides, the dead is dead and gone and knows nothing, why not bury them decently and use such resources to do very meaningful things in the society or to better the lives of the living? This is my humble opinion though.

However, it is really surprising that on the demise of a person, resources that were hitherto not available, are pulled from all nooks and crannies by the deceased's family, to "honor" the departed soul by giving them a befitting burial. If this practice was restricted to the rich or wealthy in the society, it won't even be a topic on this blog, but the fact that people who lived very ordinary lives, some even lived and died in deprivation and penury, get to be given "befitting burials" daunts me.

The idea of a befitting burial has been portrayed in a particular light, as a necessity, like it is the passport that automatically grants one entry into paradise. In fact, many people seek loans for burials, like it's an investment.The irony of it all is that the resources that are used for many befitting burials could have saved the lives of many people, but as a result of unavailability of funds, many died.

 

Now, on the occasion of the burial, a great party is thrown, all sorts of uniform attires are worn, varieties of dishes are served, people dance heartily to music and all forms of show off are aired. This injudicious use of scarce resources and the fact that so many people do not care about the living, saddens me as a person. What a grave misplacement of priorities.

In conclusion,. this brings a lesson or two to mind. While we have the opportunity, we should live life to the fullest, albeit positively. Live, laugh, love, have fun, meet people, dwell on the good, let go of the bad and above all, give yourself a very befitting life, because you alone can give yourself that. And when you take the final bow, your befitting burial will be taken care of, free of charge...