Purchasing artificial flowers on the eve of a memorial day for a good number of Ukrainians is a long-standing habit or even a tradition. Colorful and vivid, small flowers and huge floral tributes – the choice of plastic decorations, that you usually bring to the cemetery seems to be endless. But is it so simple? DUMKA has found out what harm is caused by artificial flowers, how is it connected to the rituals, what is the attitude of the church, what should the believers bring to the cemeteries, is it still possible to get rid of such traditions and how much are the sellers ready to give up their business.
How harmful the artificial flowers are?
Kateryna Polianska, an ecologist of the international charitable organization “Ecology-Law-Man”, explained to DUMKA, that the material, such decorations are made of, does not provide a long-term “outer” life. Products lose their outer look under the pressure of the weather conditions, and then they are sent to the garbage. It is impossible to guarantee that the plastics will be disposed according with the rules. Therefore, you should pay attention to the alternative.
“Plastic, if not recycled, becomes the environmental pollutant. Plastic flowers in cemeteries gradually deteriorate due to the weather conditions and are thrown away. There are no guarantees, that they will get into a rubbish recycling plant and will not harm the nature. There are no guarantees, that they will not be accidentally burnt together with garbage at the cemetery, and then, harmful plastic burning materials, that may be neoplastic agents and negatively affect the health of people, emit into the air with a smoke. What is an alternative? To plant live perennials. Real planted flowers, bushes or even trees, which won’t harm the environment”, Kateryna Polianska is convinced.
Artificial flowers of cemeteries – beauty or important ritual?
Reflecting on this issue for DUMKA, psychologist and psychotherapist Olha Luhova-Stepashko noted, that flowers have always been the means of expressing our attitude to other people in our culture. This is a sign of adherence, respect. According to psychology, it is impossible to change it, because such a ritual is actually “imprinted” in our consciousness. In addition, a large part of people, caring for graves, prefers to “do what others do ” as these tactics give the assurance, that everything is done correctly and that your feelings will be understood by others.
“Rituals exist since the times when culture has appeared. Actually, culture begins with the ritual. The ritual is the transfer of psychological content (that is, something implicit, like feeling and experience) to something material or explicit – so feelings are reflected in something that is more visible. Funeral rituals in any culture are intended to show sorrow, memory, connection with those who have gone forever.
The way alive human beings treat the burial place of the deceased is, in fact, a manifestation of feelings for the passed person. The person is gone, but the burial place replaces it. To take care of the grave means to take care of the lost person. But what exactly to take care of? How to express your feelings? Each of us can decide it for ourselves. But there is also an easier way – to repeat the actions of others. If people express their feelings to the deceased by bringing flowers (or laying tables in the cemetery, or ordering church services etc.), the easiest way is to do the same. Copying others brings the confidence, that I have expressed my respect right. I didn’t make a mistake, and my feelings are clear to others and to myself.
In our culture, flowers are a common way of expressing our attitude. If someone brings flowers, this shows us commitment, respect, appreciation. It won’t change. This ritual is ” imprinted ” in us.
What arguments can be used against what directly affects feelings? The arguments for the abandonment of flowers, I believe, will be very difficult to find and even more difficult to convince everyone in the end. Humanity is polluting the space and the oceans, and no arguments are valid. I do not believe that we can be persuaded not to spoil places, where we communicate with the deceased. In addition, garbage is collected at the cemetery. And the visitors take them away to clean the place on the graves for some new signs of memory. The plastic from the cemeteries becomes rubbish, which, like any garbage, needs to be recycled in an appropriate way.
It is deep and natural for our culture: to express the memory of the deceased, putting flowers on the grave. But recycling doesn’t work and it’s not OK”, explained Olha Luhova-Stepashko.
What should be taken to the cemetery, and what do churches think of plastic decorations?
The press service of the Volyn Eparchy of the UOC-KP is convinced: people should bring to a cemetery a prayer book and several Easter dishes. The tradition to bring products to a cemetery has Christian roots. However, it has nothing in common with alcohol, which is often poured into the grave or left next to the cross. Food should not be left either: don’t bring much food, just some to have a symbolic funeral repast. But artificial flowers should be completely abandoned: the church recommends greenery instead of it.
“When we commemorate the deceased at the Provody (Commemorating day), this must, first of all, be a temple prayer. Then, of course, we visit the cemetery. For Christians, the places of burial became saint, because the bodies of those, who are going to resurrect are buried there. The Old Testament doctrine did not know the notion of the resurrection of the human body. The New Testament doctrine says that a person will rise again – not just the soul will renew, but also the body.
What to bring with you to the cemetery? First, the prayer book with the sticheron of the Easter, which is to be read at the grave. Secondly, several Easter dishes (for example, Easter eggs), because usually people have a symbolic funeral repast on this day. This tradition – to bring the products to the cemetery – has Christian roots, because in the memory of the dead people gave alms-gifts. However, somewhere this tradition was forgotten, and the trident – pagan celebrations near the graves with shouting, singing, and alcohol, which is unacceptable for Christians. It is strictly forbidden to pour out the alcohol on the grave (this thing defiles it) or leave the vodka in a glass near the cross. Do not leave the Easter bread and Easter eggs there: when people go, animals will come and eat it at the graves of your relatives.
It is strongly advised not to bring artificial flowers to the cemeteries: plants are far better than them, and, moreover, their utilization does not harm the environment”, the Volyn Eparchy of the UOC-KP explains.
Is it still possible to stop purchasing artificial decorations?
In contrast to the views of Olha Luhova-Stepashko, a psychologist, analyst and coach Ihor Lubkivskyi noted, that explanations from the point of view of psychology should not be sought. According to the expert, artificial flowers – are rather a habit, which is quite possible to get rid of, as shown by relevant examples. However, the psychologist added that it’s not all that simple with the real flowers: sometimes, you need to make a lot of effort and have much time to choose.
“You can hardly find a special psychological aspect here. Most likely, this is a matter of convenience and beauty. Another obvious habit, that came from the Soviet era. In western Ukraine, the Greek Catholic Church has long been campaigning against the use of artificial flowers, because they pollute the environment, and the people are already used to it.
Artificial flowers and floral tributes for the funeral are brought only by close relatives now, usually they are enough to decorate the cross and the grave. All the others bring real flowers, the most diverse: and chrysanthemums, and daisies, and even roses. Well, in fact, such a compromise is already quite satisfying. Although, sometimes the choice of real flowers for the dead is more difficult than of artificial: we must think about what exactly suits, and what is not “, said Ihor Lubkivskyi in the comments for DUMKA.
Yevheniia Zakharchenko, a co-worker of the law office, is convinced, that artificial flowers and alcohol near the grave are far less important than proper actions, which help to honor the memory of the deceased. For example, to clean the grave itself and plant flowers there is enough. In the end, it makes sense to buy ordinary flowers as they are grown specifically for being sailed.
“As for me, “treating” the deceased with 100 grams of vodka, the Easter bread and decorating graves with artificial flowers are the affection of paganism. A much better practice in honoring the memory of the deceased is the prayer for his soul in the church.
To honor the dead it is enough to clean the grave, plant flowers there, in the memorial day you can bring some real flowers because they are still grown for sale, that is, so buying real flowers is not barbaric and does not harm nature.
As for artificial flowers, we all know, that plastic decomposes for more than 100 years, and artificial dyes also grind earth and air. I am against artificial bouquets and against the use of alcohol on the days of memory and honor in the cemetery “, Yevheniia Zakharchenko shared with DUMKA.
Are the sellers of an artificial flower ready to give up on their business?
Anastasiia Kravchenko (name and surname were changed on the request of the author of the comment) is engaged in the sale of artificial flowers not for so long, the place of sale – web platforms. The woman assured DUMKA, that artificial flowers are not the only problem and the only source of harmful plastics.
“I know and hear, that now the abandonment of artificial flowers is promoted. But if the ban on artificial flowers is introduced, then all the plastic must be banned, it also hurts the environment. We buy artificial flowers once a year, and how much plastic do we buy every day? Just take a look on how much plastic is left after picnics? In my opinion, it is necessary to start with this problem. And if a ban is introduced, it must be introduced on all the plastic”, the seller is convinced.
Natalia Tabakar is selling the artificial flowers for many years. When asked whether the number of those who want to buy artificial decorations has recently changed, the woman noted that she did not notice such changes. According to her, in order to break people out of such a habit, it is necessary at least to prohibit the sale of artificial flowers at the official level. However, it is far from certain, that even this will work out, because for those who want to buy “eternal” decoration, this is something much bigger, than just a purchase.
“I’ve been selling artificial flowers for the seventh year. Demand has always been and, I think, will be. Those who oppose the sale of “fake” decorations do not understand what people are ruled by when buying. They want to bring something that will last longer, will show that this deceased person is not forgotten and even now we do not spare any expense. Beauty is needed for everyone, even for those who do not see it anymore. Or maybe they do, we simply do not notice it.
Of course, I know that artificial flowers are harmful. I even agree with this to some extent. But I’ve been selling them for many years. Unfortunately, this is life, people constantly die. And people always come and buy flowers. How can I offer something else? It will fade and look awful. This is a tribute, an appreciation. Therefore sales are not reduced. Of course, we all know what days we should visit cemeteries. This is the climax, “red days” for sellers. Over time, you become accustomed to this, it’s just a job, moral factors go to the background.
If anyone opposes, let it be brought to the level of the country’s leadership. Let them come up with a new law, banning. But you are perfectly aware that this ban will not stop sellers. First of all, because it will not stop the buyers. . You can not imagine what number of flowers we have in the warehouses. These are not fresh tulips or roses, they do not spoil, so we can afford to buy them more. What should we do in case of banning? It’s money, business. We did not go out of the house and do not sell it near our fence. It’s all officially and not forbidden, why do we have to lose our job? Ecology is very important, but let’s be honest, artificial flowers are not the only pollutants of our lives. And if this thing is, in some sense, a ritual, then it will be easier to remove other pollutants from life. And here the memory, gratitude, respect … It’s not the one that you want to give up first “, said in the comment to DUMKA.
Artificial flowers – only a small part of a big problem?
Liliia Brudnytska, an expert of the Structural Political Science Center “Vybir”, in the commentary to DUMKA agreed, that artificial flowers are rather polluting the environment, but the problem should also be seen from different perspective. It is about the appropriate cemetery equipment and the installation of collection stations for plastic decoration items to be recycled. In addition, each cemetery, according to Liliia Brudnytska, should be equipped with a drainage system that complies with European practice.
“Artificial flowers in the cemetery, as I know, symbolize the eternal life, as well as the pine branches in mourning tributes and cypresses over graves. That is, a paper or plastic artificial flower does not die, the same as evergreens. But I agree, there is an ecological component: cheap flowers pollute the environment, plastic plants do not decompose, wires from them, sometimes, trampled by visitors and then can even lead to injury. However, I would suggest looking at the problem from the other side. If you take Kiev cemeteries, then they, I’m sorry, overpopulated. Each cemetery must be equipped with a drainage system, and means and devices for the disposal or recycling of garbage as is in a European practice. For some reason, we do not raise the question that equipment of cemeteries is outdated, that the tight and constant reinterment and reburials destroy the composition of soils.
In the end, the ptomaine goes into the groundwater, which is already a very serious threat to the living. But to solve all this, we need a lot of money. And we don’t have them. Therefore, the discussion is turned to the problem of artificial flowers. Yes, they clog the cemetery, but it’s not a problem to put extra garbage cans and take these flowers as raw materials for recycling. So, law-quality flowers cause a serious harm to the environment, but again, who prevents the opening of items for the reception of such products for recycling or recycling directly in the cemetery? Actually, I’m saying, that the issue of artificial flowers is a trifle in the complex problem of infrastructure of burial places.
As for me, I prefer the real flowers on the graves of my relatives in the summer, but in winter I decorate them with artificial flowers. I make these artificial flowers myself and put them in a pot with cement instead of the soil – they serve much longer. We can not ridicule the people’s natural urge to somehow implement the desire to provide something joyful, bright to their deceased relatives. But to urge the authorities to solve the problem of waste – we can “, summed up the expert.
Text: Dmytro Zhuravel
