As we close out a productive 2012 and reflect on a particularly dark December, we’re seeking the light to show us the way. A couple of finds on the Urngarden Pinterest boards.
Confessions
Wishing You a Brighter New Year
Proper Period of Mourning
Over the Christmas break we were discussing the holiday show Christmas at the White House. It was fun to see the finery and traditions over the years. But December 1963 was different, the White House was dark. After the JFK assassination President Johnson declared a month long period of mourning and the White House was shrouded in black with crepe draping the door ways and chandeliers.
On the morning of December 22, the black crepe was removed and replaced by holly, wreaths, and mistletoe. Later that evening, the Christmas tree was lit. Lady Bird Johnson later wrote, “I walked the well-lit hall for the first time with the sense that life was going to go on, that we as a country were going to begin again.”
The young man that I was talking to thought a month long period of mourning was an old-school custom and would not be done today. A month? Too long. Our attention span, he said. He was speaking for the 20-25 year old young professionals that he knew.
Most people prefer the light over the dark, especially in December. And I agree that we’ve moved past the Victorian custom of draping every mirror in the house. Now, it seems that black wreaths and bunting are used for Halloween decorations. Is the idea of hanging a black wreath on the door or some hanging black ribbons out of the question when a death has occurred? Inspiration comes from the from the black feather wreaths I’ve seen. The symbolism is subtle, tactile, and the black is dramatic. It never goes out of style.
Season’s Greetings from Urn Garden
Urn Garden would like to wish you abundant peace and prosperity in the new year. Sending warm thoughts to the families that have lost loved ones and are starting new holiday traditions. Thanks for letting us serve you.
A Moment of Silence
The most wonderful time of the year? Last week was Suicide Week in the garden. It started Monday afternoon with the phone call about a former co-worker. I can say hardly say his name, or type it. Wednesday was the auspicious 12/12/12 and then the week morphed into two more families that had a mess to clean up. All were 49-50 year old white men. Some with with small children and young widows. By Friday the carnage was full blown and we had tickets to go see Mike Birbiglia at the beautiful Gillioz Theatre. Comic relief was needed.
This was one of Birbiglia’s last stops on this 2012 tour and there was no mention of the day’s tragic events at the show. Imagine trying to do comedy on such a terrible day when all you want to do is go home.
Today, Wall Street and many others are taking a moment of silence before beginning their day.
