Losing a loved one is a painful experience no one completely heals from.
Life goes on, and the grieving process seemingly eases with each day, but the sadness will always be there.
It is important to note, however, that funerals aren’t just about tears, sad music, and tear-jerking anecdotes.
Some people choose to celebrate the person’s life instead of dwelling on the loss.
They do this by recalling happy moments, gathering the family together for meals, and letting the experience inspire them to carry on with hope.
Some practices, like the New Orleans jazz funeral, bid their last farewells with music.
The mourners are led by a marching band that plays sad music at first, but they switch it up after the burial rites by shifting to more upbeat songs.
In Ghana, some craft unique coffins for the deceased based on the person’s passions and interests.
In some parts of South Africa, an after-tears party follows the funeral. This is when family and friends share drinks and jokes and remember the dead with cheerful stories.
In Madagascar, dancing is involved in the Famadihana funeral tradition. To them, it is considered a joyous occasion and an opportunity to connect with their ancestors and receive blessings.
And speaking of dancing, this family’s video garnered over 3 million views on YouTube for a tribute dance they performed for their deceased loved one.
YouTube user Nicole Marie uploaded a video of their group line dancing to “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earl in the church parking lot.
There was a lot of fancy footwork in their choreography, but each one effortlessly pulled it off.
There were the occasional smiles caught on camera, proving that this was indeed a life worth celebrating and dancing for.
Family and friends (and possibly curious strangers) watched admiringly in the background as the dancers kicked, stomped, and turned to the beat of the country song.
It was probably a strange yet fascinating sight for passersby, seeing relatives and friends conclude such a solemn and sad occasion with dancing.
YouTube user TAMPA TTOWN commented,
“This is the way we should send off all our loved ones, with their favorite song and celebrating their life!”
Another user, Leesa Hazel, added,
“I don’t know anyone there, I’m not even in the same country. This brought tears to my eyes and a smile on my face. What an amazing send-off. Your loved one would have been dancing right along with you. Brilliant. Keep dancing, Joe.”
This was a celebration, indeed.
Joe must have been a light in everyone’s lives, to have left them with the will to dance and look to the bright side of things.
His life, no doubt lived meaningfully, significantly impacted those who loved him.
May this video remind us that life is an occasion always worth celebrating.
No matter how dark some days may be, there will always be reasons to stand tall and make the most of each moment.
Watch this touching celebration of life below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
