Mourning rituals are often culturally determined and practiced…

Often mourning is a shared experience like when a public figure dies or a major international event involving the deaths of many people (like 9-11) …we will often see large, temporary memorials appear with flowers and candles and tributes…

At the sites of fatal collisions, family and friends of the deceased may leave flowers, wreaths, and other items at the site. These memorials are often temporary.

There may be a large commemoration event held to remember the victims of tragedies, such as the Yonge Street van attack. 

For some folks, grief may manifest in protests, social justice actions (like Black Lives Matter, AIDS Candlelight Vigils) and are important parts of public and community mourning and mutual support

It’s important that we recognize the diversity of responses to grief – and that there is no right or wrong way