Memorial Writing
A memorial writing is a written tribute that commemorates the deceased's life, personality, and achievements. It is an important part of Finnish memorial tradition and offers an opportunity to share the deceased's life story with the wider community. A memorial writing differs from an epitaph in its scope and publication channel.
Content and Structure
A good memorial writing tells the deceased's story — from birth, childhood, education, career, family, and hobbies. It highlights the deceased's personality, values, and significance in the lives of their loved ones. A memorial writing is not merely a list of facts but seeks to convey the deceased's uniqueness. The length varies from a few sentences to several pages depending on the publication channel.
Publication Channels
Traditionally, memorial writings are published in newspapers, either alongside death notices or as separate articles. Organizations, associations, and companies publish memorial writings in their own publications and websites. Today, memorial writings are also shared on social media and memorial websites. An obituary is the press's form of memorial writing.
Writing in Practice
Writing a memorial can be a therapeutic part of grief work. A good memorial writing is honest and warm — it honours the deceased without excessive praise. The writer can be a family member, friend, or colleague. Newspapers have guidelines governing the length and format of submitted memorial writings. A memorial writing can also be read aloud at the memorial reception.
Frequently asked questions
How does a memorial writing differ from an obituary?
Memorial writing and obituary (nekrologi) are largely synonymous, but in Finland an obituary more often refers to a death notice written by a newspaper's editorial staff, while a memorial writing is a broader concept that can be written by anyone who knew the deceased.
Who can write a memorial writing?
Anyone can write a memorial writing — a family member, friend, colleague, or community representative. A memorial writing submitted to a newspaper is often written by someone close to the deceased or a colleague. For public figures, memorial writings are often written by journalists.
What is included in a memorial writing?
A memorial writing typically includes the deceased's birth and death dates, key life events, profession, family, hobbies, and character traits. A good memorial writing is personal and highlights the deceased's unique personality.
Related terms
A death notice or memorial writing published in a newspaper that tells about the deceased's life and significance.
A gathering after the funeral service where the deceased is remembered. Often held in parish facilities or a restaurant.
A written expression of condolence given or sent to the deceased's family in connection with the funeral.
The expression of sympathy and condolences on the occasion of a death, verbally, in writing or by other means.
Read also
Choosing a headstone: materials, engraving, installation at the cemetery, costs, permits, and cemetery regulations in one guide.
Ways and traditions of remembrance: candles, memorial days, obituaries, and digital remembrance. A guide to remembering a loved one.
Religious symbols at funerals: the cross, candle, star, and other symbols in different religions. A guide to the meanings of symbols at funerals.