Reconnecting with Mortality: Forest Burials and Conversations about Death

This chapter delves into the growing trend of forest burials in Germany, driven by a heightened awareness of mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the mixed feelings individuals have about discussing death, the role of death cafes in fostering open dialogue, and contrasts Western customs with those of developing cultures regarding death. Additionally, it explores how the pandemic has influenced personal behaviors linked to mortality salience and the search for meaning in life.