Memorial trees are something that has been trending more and more in recent years. As times evolve, people are looking for something different to do when it comes to memorial services and burials for loved ones that pass. More and more people are focused on planning ahead for that time as well.
Let’s take a closer look at memorial trees, what they are exactly and why this method of remembering a loved one has really caught on and become so popular so quickly.
Memorial Trees – What Are They?
Essentially, this is where a loved one is buried as a tree. But what does that mean?
Australia has seen a rise in what are known as memorial gardens. A memorial garden is similar to a cemetery, in that it is a place of rest for those who have passed on, but rather than having row after row of gravestones marking a burial plot, loved ones are cremated and their specially treated ashes are then buried in the roots of a tree in the memorial garden. The reason the ashes need to be treated is so they are more readily assimilated into the soil and the tree’s root system. Regular human ashes that are left untreated can actually kill the tree rather than give it life.
Let’s now look at some reasons why this idea is trending and what makes it popular.
A Loved One’s Life Continues On Within the Tree
Rather than going the traditional route of having someone placed in a casket and buried underground, or going through the cremation process and leaving the ashes sitting in an urn or scattered over the sea, a loved one who has passed on is given new life in a sense when they become part of a memorial tree.
As that tree grows, the memory of the person who has passed grows with the tree and lives on in both a physiological and a symbolic sense. In a way, the life of the person who has passed continues to flourish. It’s a fantastic way to keep the memory of a loved one alive for many years to come.
Memorial Gardens Are Beautiful and Peaceful Places To Visit
Many cemeteries have a rather foreboding, depressing and even sometimes scary feel to them. When you enter a memorial garden full of lush trees and verdant lawns, the vibe is altogether different. These places feel positive and special, rather than conjuring up sensations of depression or foreboding.
When you go to visit a loved one who has died, you don’t always want to feel like it’s an incredibly sad occasion. Memorial gardens are brimming with life, where it feels like the lives of loved ones passed are continuing on.
It’s all about the feelings you experience when you visit a memorial garden that is flourishing with trees of life. Tinges of sadness may always remain, but you’ll also feel overcome with the positive sensation of beauty and vibrant life. It’s a completely different experience from visiting a cemetery and is more like visiting the Botanic Gardens.
You Get To Choose the Right Tree
The types of trees you can choose from will tend to vary from garden to garden but most of the time, you’ll have a choice of what type of tree you want. It’s important to have options and to choose one that’s right for the one who has passed on and their family members. For example, you might choose an English Oak tree or a stunning Magnolia. Other popular memorial tree choices in Australia are Jacaranda, flowering gum trees, Japanese Maple and Redwood trees.
Before making any firm decisions, visit the memorial gardens and speak with one of the members of staff. They’ll be able to explain exactly how everything works and provide you with a selection of trees to choose from. This way, you will fully understand the process and what options are available.
In Conclusion
Memorial gardens and trees of life are such a positive concept that it’s little wonder the idea has resonated so strongly with so many people in recent years. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the life of a loved one and have them live on within a tree.
