We received a letter from a college student asking about the rituals and ceremonies of the hippy culture when someone passes away. We could only answer her by describing what we do, not from the repetition of ritual, but more of a straight forward process that just feels natural… from the heart.
Ideally, when someone passes here, they are at home surrounded by family and perhaps a few close friends.
Soon after, most of the time, our members are not embalmed and are either buried in a pine box (built by one of our members) or are cremated using a local cremation service, whatever the choice of the family.
For the service, friends and family gather at our cemetery. A family member or friend will lead the service, saying a few words. Usually there is a song or two performed by various members of the community. It could be Amazing Grace, something original, or any of a number of songs.
People will usually tell stories and share memories.
Those attending the service are invited to help with the burial, adding a handful, a shovel full, or several shovels of dirt until the hole is filled.
Most of the time, people will then go to a home or our community center to continue being together and sharing. Food and drink will be served.
Friends will often bring food over to the family for about a week after the passing to take this burden off the family in their time of grieving.
Our cemetery has over 100 people resting there.
As a child and then a teenager, I didn’t really relate to cemeteries. Funeral homes seemed to be about money and business. Now with so many of my friends and family in our cemetery, I have come to better understand the meaning of the words “hallowed ground.”
Douglas Stevenson, 50+ year member of The Farm Community