A family tradition...still practiced.

If you've ever flipped thru the pages of an inherited Bible, and come across

a clipping of human hair, don't be shocked.  It's been going on for generations,

and believe it or not, is still practiced today....but why do we do this?

Take a look at the following:

“Locks of hair have long served as sentimental and tangible reminders of deceased or far-away friends and close relations. Among family, friends and romantic partners, exchanging a lock of hair was a sign of mutual esteem and deep affection. Upon the death of a loved one, locks of hair were often cut and kept as a way to both honor and remember the dead” (“Hairwork Jewelry,” FIDM Museum Blog, 5/16/2011).

In the almost four decades I spent in the funeral industry, there were many times

that a family would want to take a snip-it of hair from the left side of a persons

head to save for this tradition. (Removal from the left side was usually indicated

because that side of the person is usually not viewed in a traditional open casket.)

 It was usually done after evening calling hours when everyone had left the viewing

 room, and in advance of the funeral.  The hair sample would be placed in a zip lock

bag, or in some instances, the family would purchase a very small two ounce

cremation container to hold those most precious hairs.

 Was it and is it a strange request?  Not at all. I've also had people ask me to take

a fingerprint or thumbprint and place on a quality piece of parchment so they could

place it as well in the family Bible. 

The action has always given peace to the family, knowing that at least in part, the

deceased person will be 'staying on' to some degree with them.

Honoring the dead, acknowledging that their life was meaningful and appreciated.


Final pictures of the deceased? Oh yes, that is the subject for another future

post here.

So as  you think about making pre-arrangements for yourself or someone else

in you family, tell the funeral director what you would like included.

He or she won't think you are weird or dis-connected.  That person will know

that family is important...and keeping part of you on for others to marvel at

is an exceptional act indeed.