Bereavement Buttons – Honoring Those Who Have Passed

Losing someone is never easy. In the Jewish religion, tradition dictates that you tear a piece of your clothing when you hear that someone has passed. Orthodox men may cut the lapel of their suit on the left side, over the heart. Non-orthodox practice may be to cut a necktie or to wear a button with a torn black ribbon to symbolize the torn clothes . Coming to grips with the death of a dear friend or family member is not something that happens overnight. Many struggle through the five stages of the grieving process (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). Bereavement buttons, along with other mementos, can become part of the celebration of the life of the deceased, as well as part of accepting that life has to go on without them. Bereavement buttons have also been used by support groups to help people heal together. For instance, there are many support groups for the families of those who have died from breast cancer. Bereavement buttons that are for the group, and not just for one person, help unite the group together by honoring all those who have passed. These buttons can be worn to events like fundraisers and walks, honoring the memory of those who died and recognizing that just because they aren’t physically with us their spirit lives on in us. Everyone Loves Buttons has done numerous button orders over the years to honor a loved one who has passed. Generally, we are asked do a 2 1/4″ size button with a photo and often some added text displaying their birth year and year of death. These bereavement buttons help commemorate the deceased while being a part of the mourning process.