I think the idea here is to build a Mudcat-specific tradition or gather up a list of dates from which we can then go about whatever each of us finds most useful.

I'm sure Yahrzeit has a variety of traditions attached to it, as does the Christian equivalent. I hope Martin Gibson and others will tell us more of the Jewish observances.

In our denomination, there is an annual recitation at the annual diocesan convention, of who has passed on during that year. For some of us, it's the first we hear of some folks' passing. But in the parish, there is also the lighting of memorial candles supplied by surviors, each year. I'm not describing that right-- candles and flowers are in use every week, and some people like to fund the purchase for a particular week... might be a death anniversary or a birthday, etc., we don't ask. The name of their departed is listed in the service bulletin.

I like it-- these are usually people long gone, but hearing the names gives me something to ask about when I see their survivors, next-- and they love telling the stories of that person. I like seeing the names of people in the bookplate for the pew books too-- "This hymnal given in memory of xxxx", the bookplate all yellow with time-- and again, it gives me a starting point with our older parishioners, to start them telling stories of humor and wisdom.

~S~