Pumpkin carving, football games, hayrides, and apple picking bring families together. As the days cool and shorten, families come together, sharing in traditions and rituals. Much about the fall season revolves around the idea of family and togetherness. Animals begin preparing for the winter ahead, either by stockpiling necessary food stashes for the winter or by leaving and migrating to warmer climates. The days become darker, temperatures cool, and in many places, the leaves turn vibrant colors before eventually turning brown and falling to the ground. It's time we learn more about the impact of the changing seasons upon grief journeys so we can support those suffering loss around us, and ourselves, through seasonal grief. More than 50% of grieving people say they felt the effects of grief for six to twelve months after the event. Each festival’s connection to the cycles of the earth and nature help her aid others in processing grief through each season to find a life with greater balance, peace, and potential for growth. Founder of The Celtic Wheel, she focuses on traditions surrounding the festivals and celebrations of the ancient Celtic wheel to help herself and others make sense of crisis and loss.
#LET GRIEF BE A FALLEN LEAF HOW TO#
And today, there are new and fascinating explorations into seasonal grief, and how to not only address it, but use it to bring about growth and balance. In the United States, holidays with “seasons” most commonly include Easter, Halloween, Hanukkah, and Christmas, but of course, a person’s relevant “seasons” are dependent upon their own culture and traditions.Įach season holds new potential for feeling grief.
The focus on seasonal grief in this article is around more extensive time periods-the distinct weather changes we see with winter, spring, summer, and fall, and similarly, the holiday seasons to which we culturally give attention over weeks or even months. In grieving terms, an upswell in grief around these times is termed as an “anniversary reaction,” “holiday effect,” or “birthday blues.” I’ve discussed before the pain that can come from specific dates: anniversaries, birthdays, significant events.
Seasonal grief is a reality throughout the year for many. It’s called seasonal grief, where the traditions and memories of each season tug at the heart of a grieving person, reminding them of what was lost. Grief is along for the ride, too, with each change in season bringing its own reminders of loss. Summer brings the excitement of outdoor activities and then we cuddle up as the temperatures cool once again. Nature is constantly changing as we cruise around the sun each year.
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