Is an obituary the indicator of a person's life?

Half a century or so ago, the word "obituary" and its meaning were known to everyone. Now only a few remember or know what it is.

The concept of the obituary and its history

The concept of "obituary" (from the Greek "dead word") came to us from those times when journalism was just emerging, and the art of literature was incredibly popular and popular. In ancient Rome, Greece and other localities, it was customary to make speeches at a funeral, grieving and praising the actions of the deceased. Many of these speeches were recorded, especially those that were dedicated to important political figures and their relatives. Thus, one of the most famous oral obituaries is the tomb of Julius Caesar in honor of his wife Cornelia.

With the development of journalism and writing, the obituary lost some of its verbal pathos and began to be more informative. In the 16th and 17th centuries it became an indispensable attribute accompanying the departure from the life of any more or less famous bourgeois, politician or public figure. Relatives necessarily ordered obituaries in the newspaper, as it was a "rule of good taste." The peak of his popularity is the 19th century - the rapid development of the printed word and journalism. Writing obituaries has become a profitable business.

Thus, an obituary is a message about a person's death, including general information about his activities, his character, his life position, and so on. At the request of the customer, you can include many additional information in it.

Types of obituaries and their purpose

There is no formal classification of this concept. An obituary is not a biography, it's just an informative article. But conditionally they can be divided into professional and personal, brief and detailed, etc. Depending on this and the purpose pursued by customers, the text of the obituary may differ in volume and content.

It can include:

• Circumstances and causes of death;
• Personal and professional achievements;
• List of grieving relatives;
• Indication of the place and time of burial;
• Emotional characteristics, an estimation of a life of the deceased (namely the estimation and distinguishes an obituary from usual newspaper news) and so forth.

According to its purpose, the obituary is an example of a special genre of journalism, which not only informs the readers about an event (in this case death and funerals). At the same time, it also gives the text a special coloration that the customer needs.

How to write a obituary: sample

Write a touching and sincere or laconic and strict text is not too difficult. We must adhere to certain simple rules.

First of all, it should be remembered that an obituary is not a funeral speech, but just a message that should notify its readers about a tragic event. Of course, it would be superfluous to mention the worthy qualities of the character of the deceased person, his merits to the family and society, in order to remind everyone what a wonderful man left the world.

So, besides the full name and the main dates (birth and death), one can carefully mention the cause of death: after a long illness, due to tragic accident, etc.,

Next, it is necessary to mention those for whom this death has become a tragedy - loved ones and close people. Following the rules of hierarchy, in the beginning they talk about parents, then wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandsons, sisters and brothers. In the specialized obituaries compiled in connection with the death of the honored worker of the enterprise, the names of co-workers are not mentioned.

Also, one should list the main achievements of the deceased: professional and personal, merits to the family or society, positive qualities, and so on. But in no case need to talk about unfulfilled dreams, criticize the nature or actions - about the dead or well, or nothing.

In conclusion, you can write that the memory of this person will always remain in the hearts of relatives and friends, as well as specify the place and time of the funeral and funeral, so that everyone could say goodbye.

Example of writing an obituary

November 20, 1897, after a serious illness, the beloved son, husband and father, John Smith, passed away. He lived the life of a decent family man, a conscientious worker and a respected citizen of his country. John was born on April 15, 1846, from 1865 he began his career as a simple clerk in a very respectable office and by the time he was 45 he had already become an assistant manager. At work he was appreciated for diligence and justice, and at home - for kindness and care. The memory of him will forever remain in the hearts of the parents - Glen and Alice, the wife of Barbara and the children of Robert and Sabrina.

The funeral of John Smith will be held on November 22 at 11:00 in the central city cemetery in Sacramento.

Location of obituaries

Most often obituaries in the newspaper are placed on the last page in a black frame, symbolizing mourning. Although now this practice is no longer very popular. In the modern world, specialized companies are engaged in writing to order and placing obituaries in newspapers and the Internet.

Sometimes such a text can be seen on the notice board of the institution in which the deceased worked.

To date, it has almost lost its popularity as a way to inform the public about a tragic event and to express condolences to the family. Now the obituary is another tribute to the deceased, which many, unfortunately, do not consider it necessary.