Honor Loved Ones with Music, Nature & Art

With leaves changing and daylight receding, the fall season is marked with traditions for rest, reflection, and remembrance. Cultures around the world have fall holidays that honor deceased loved ones, including Samhain (Celtic), All Saint’s Day (western Europe), El Día de los Muertos (Latin America), Chuseok (S. Korea), and Pchum Ben (Cambodia). 

Each of these holidays has unique and culturally meaningful ways of memorializing loved ones. In celebration and in grief, many traditions incorporate dance, song, art, and prayer to connect with those who have passed. As a living arts therapy agency, we have found music, nature, and art to each be uniquely powerful in preserving the memory of loved ones and celebrating their lives. We offer below 9 simple, creative acts of remembrance to honor lost loved ones:

Honor with Nature

1. Plant a tree, flower, or plant

   Growing something new can be a beautiful way to honor a lost loved one. Each time you water, prune, or feed this plant can be a moment to pause. Plants are living representations of the cycle of life, and can bring a sense of meaning and purpose. You might choose a plant that holds a metaphor for you, such as a pine tree (perseverance), rosemary (remembrance), or lavender (calm). 

2. Take a nature walk

   Walking in a serene environment can help us calm, reflect, and feel spiritually connected. Our minds sometimes flow better when we’re moving, and this can be a time to draw up old memories or have a conversation with your loved one. The walk can be solitary or you can invite others to participate with a shared intention.

3. Create an outdoor memorial

   Laying flowers on gravestones is a common practice in the U.S., and you can create a memorial space anywhere, whether in your backyard or on a nature trail or on a sandy beach. An outdoor memorial can be permanent or momentary. You might use photos, your loved one’s possessions (e.g. jewelry), or collect natural materials from outside like leaves, flowers, or stones.

Honor with Music

1. Dedicate a song

   Choose a song that makes you think of your loved one and dedicate that song to them. You can play this song each day, or whenever you need it, to remember your loved one. You might sing this song, share it with others, or create a picture slideshow over top of it. Maybe you move, or draw, or play an instrument while you listen. Whatever you do, having a single piece of music can be a powerful way to remember your loved one.

2. Create a legacy playlist

   Consider songs that they loved, songs that remind you of them, or songs about death and transition that are meaningful to you. Compile these songs into a playlist on your streaming service and pull it out on days you want to feel connected with your loved one. You might make this a project with others, and share your chosen songs together in memoriam.

3. Improvise music

   Intention is everything with improvisation. Even seasoned musicians can feel nervous about the idea of improvising (i.e. playing spontaneously, without prewritten music). If you have an instrument, sit down and be with the memory of that person and start to play. There is no wrong note and this can be a powerful way to process and express feelings around the loss and feel connected. You can also sing - if you aren’t sure where to start, sing a favorite song or start by humming and see where it takes you.

Honor with Art

1. Create a collage of remembrance

   Write their name or tape their picture on a large piece of paper. Using old magazines or newspapers, find words and images that remind you of this person. Collaging allows us to take many different feelings and ideas and put them together in one space. Use markers, crayons, or pastels to draw and write in the collage, as well.

2. Design an altar space

   Home altars exist in many different traditions (the Pagan altar, the ofrenda for El Día de los Muertos, the Catholic shrine). Similar to building an outdoor memorial, the altar is a space to keep your loved ones’ memory alive and provide a physical space for worship or remembrance. Many altars include a photo of the person, remains (when relevant), and a candle. You can also decorate the space with flowers, food, or their personal items.

3. Create or commission a piece of artwork to keep

   While altars are often dynamic spaces, having artwork to remember your loved one can be a permanent installation in your home. If you are artistic, you might create this on your own. Or, you can find a print or painting of something they loved on Etsy or in local craft shops. You can also commission artwork for remembrance, like having a portrait rendition created or preserving their ashes in a glass memorial.