This workshop is available for virtual presentation in 3 hour and full day sessions. Reach out to plan a program or discuss ways we can incorporate this theme into a special event for your organization.
Sample Description
Let’s Reimagine Festival – November 2, 2019
It’s A Wrap: Design Your Burial Shroud
Designing our own shrouds—a cloth to wrap a body in after death—allows us to consider our life’s ending and what rituals and customs hold meaning for us as we honor bodies and tradition in the end of life rites of passage.
We will start with an introduction to shroud traditions and have time to consider our own family expectations and personal questions or hopes for death ceremonies. As different cultures have varied practices and meanings when it comes to how (or if) bodies are adorned, we will take time to explore our feelings and wishes.
Participants will have a simple planning document and creative space to explore the practical and symbolic considerations for self and community leading up to and upon death.
Fabric, paints, markers, hand sewing-supplies and notions will be provided. You may wish to bring a journal, personal trinkets, photos or crafting items to inspire you or to incorporate into your project.
This program is for people of all backgrounds to begin a shroud or ritual garment or to just experiment with materials and ideas. No experience with art or religious tradition is required to engage in this studio-like workshop. There will be conversation, contemplation and respect – as well as laughter, mistakes and music.
The workshop needs to end promptly at 1pm, so plan to start (but not complete) your shroud or design work in our time together. Light snacks will be provided, and you are invited to bring your own nourishment or items to share, as well.
Michelle Favreault is a minister, educator and artist working with individuals and families to make meaning at times of transition. She has taught ritual design with clergy and multi-religious graduate students for more than 20 years and is an experienced rites of passage officiant.
Carol Steinfeld is a writer, community builder, and resource-recycling researcher. She is the author of three books about ecological water solutions. She lives at a cemetery.
