Watch: ‘Love and Loss Across Culture’

What is grief, and how do we experience it uniquely across cultures? This was the question inspiring “Love and Loss Across Cultures,” an information session featuring several members of our community sharing what grief, loss, change, faith (and more), mean to their cultures.

The event was presented by our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee.

Ronda Tobey Jones, Clinician in our Plymouth office, talked about her spirituality, Christian Faith, and traditions as a member of the Lumbee tribe. She spoke of the medicine wheel, which represents the cycle of the seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter), the four cardinal directions (north, east, south, west), the elements of nature (fire, air, water, earth), and the diversity of the human race (red, white, yellow, black). She also spoke of mourning traditions like keeping a fire burning until burial, cutting hair to honor the deceased, and the unique burial practices of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, where the deceased are wrapped in blankets, blessed, and adorned with traditional regalia, with cedar branches used instead of flowers.

Vice President of Northeast AFC Services Saoling Chhit talked about the Buddhist practices of the Cambodian community. Cambodian funeral rituals and ceremonies are designed to help families navigate grief, honor the deceased, and ensure a positive transition into the afterlife, aiming for a favorable rebirth. Community involvement is crucial, particularly for those with limited financial means, as villagers often contribute to funeral expenses or support rituals conducted at temples. These practices are deeply rooted in tradition, with the involvement of monks being essential to guiding the spirit in the afterlife.

Vivette Kamgang, Care Manager from our Conz Street, Northampton office, spoke of the traditions of the Bamileke from West Cameroon. In Bamileke culture, elders play a vital role in guiding mourning practices, which involve elaborate ceremonies like wakes, traditional music, and rituals to honor the deceased and ensure their smooth transition to the afterlife. The community, including extended family, provides support through financial assistance and participation in funeral arrangements, with the deceased’s role in the family often being passed on to another member to maintain continuity.

“At Nonotuck, we believe that understanding and respecting the diverse ways in which our community experiences grief is essential to our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, as well as Wellness,” says Nonotuck President/CEO George H. Fleischner. “The event beautifully highlighted the rich tapestry of traditions that shape how we cope with loss and support one another. These profound insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of these communities remind us of the strength found in unity and the importance of honoring each person’s journey through grief. By fostering such open dialogues, we strengthen our collective empathy and reinforce our dedication to creating an inclusive and compassionate environment for all.”