Memorials, living memorials, commemoration, remembrance, and monuments are interrelated concepts, but it is important to understand the distinctions between them.

Memorials

Memorials are things created to honour and remember the dead. They “are the products of collective memory of social groups or [of] collective importance of an event, person, or circumstance, linking the past to the present and future” (Attwa, et al., 2022, p. 1). Memorials can take many forms (Bruggeman, 2020). Although some are permanent (e.g., official memorials, grave markers, dedicated park benches, or trees – See bottom right image below) or living creations (e.g., a memorial garden), others can take the form of remembrance gatherings, including the smaller/personal events hosted by families to honour the death of a loved one.

Living Memorials

Living memorials vary in form. They can be “a location or monument where people gather” (Benjamin, June 24, 2020, p. 2). They are memorials that can grow, change, or evolve over time. Examples include: adding panels to the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt (See Chapter section on Pandemic Memorials); adding names to plaques, such as the ones that are part of the Ian Anderson Hospice Memorial Garden (See top left image below); as well as leaving flowers, notes, teddy bears, etc. at static memorial sites, such as the Vietnam memorial in Washington DC. Living memorials can also be spontaneous in nature, such as those that take shape and grow in the aftermath of acts of violence, accident or mass death events. Examples include the temporary memorials to honour the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando FL (See top right image below), and those in Minneapolis MN to honour the life and protest the killing of George Floyd by police (See bottom left image below).

Commemoration

Commemoration is the act of remembering, honouring or showing “respect to a person or event.” Acts of commemoration can include both special actions, like ceremonies or celebrations and “the creation of an object, work of art, writing, music, or a memorial” (Australian War Museum, n.d, para. 1).

Remembrance

Remembrance is more than the act of remembering. It is about “keeping a memory alive [of a person or event], or at least not allowing ourselves to overlook…[or forget what has] happened in the past” (COE, n.d., para. 1).

Monuments

The term monument typically refers to a structure, edifice or a figurative object (e.g., statue, structure, building) that is constructed to commemorate a notable individual or event (Attwa et al., 2022; Bruggeman, 2020). The definition of who or what is considered notable of being remembered is determined by the individuals who commission the work (Murphy, 2021), and thus the subject of contestation and debate (Lewis & Fraser, 1996).

Psychological Perspectives on Memorials, Living Memorials, Commemoration, Remembrance, and Monuments

Memorials and acts of commemoration play significant roles in individual and collective psychological processes, aiding in emotional regulation, meaning-making, and the reinforcement of social identities. Understanding these roles is essential for comprehending how societies remember and honor past events and individuals.

Emotional Regulation and Coping Mechanisms

Engaging with memorials and participating in commemorative rituals can facilitate emotional regulation by providing structured avenues for expressing grief and processing loss. Rituals such as lighting candles or visiting memorial sites offer mourners a sense of control and predictability, which are crucial for coping with bereavement (Collins et al., 2020). These activities can mitigate feelings of helplessness and promote psychological healing.

Moreover, rituals can foster a sense of community and shared experience, which is vital for emotional support during times of loss. Collective participation in memorial activities can lead to “collective effervescence,” a term describing the heightened sense of social connection and shared emotion experienced during communal rituals (Collins et al., 2020). This phenomenon can alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance emotional resilience.

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these rituals can vary based on individual differences and cultural contexts. While some may find solace in communal activities, others might prefer private forms of remembrance. Therefore, offering diverse avenues for commemoration can cater to varying coping preferences (Wagoner, 2019).

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Meaning-Making and Psychological Healing

Memorials serve as tangible representations of loss, providing spaces where individuals and communities can ascribe meaning to past events. This process of meaning-making is crucial for psychological healing, as it allows for the integration of loss into one’s life narrative (Wagoner, 2019). Engaging with memorials can facilitate reflection and understanding, aiding in the reconciliation of grief (Sørensen et al., 2019).

In the context of traumatic events, memorials can help survivors and communities make sense of their experiences. By commemorating those who have suffered or perished, memorials acknowledge the reality of the trauma and honor the memories of those affected, which is a vital step in the healing process (Bonder, 2009).

It should be noted that the meaning derived from memorials can be complex and multifaceted. For some, memorials may evoke painful memories, while for others, they may serve as symbols of resilience and hope. Understanding these diverse interpretations is essential for creating memorials that are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of all stakeholders (Mechtild, 2018).

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Social Identity and Collective Memory

Memorials play a pivotal role in shaping collective memory and reinforcing social identities. They act as physical embodiments of shared histories and values, influencing how communities remember and interpret past events (Sørensen et al., 2019). By commemorating specific narratives, memorials can affirm group identities and foster a sense of belonging.

What can make memorials complex is that the narratives presented by memorials are often contested and can reflect power dynamics within society. Debates surrounding the removal or preservation of certain monuments, such as Confederate statues in the United States, highlight the tensions between differing historical interpretations and the evolving values of communities (Bonder, 2009; Wagoner, 2019).

Engaging with these debates is crucial for understanding the role of memorials in society. They are not just passive markers of history but active participants in the ongoing discourse about identity, memory, and values. Recognizing this dynamic nature of memorials can inform more inclusive and representative commemorative practices (Sørensen et al., 2019).

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Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Memorialization

Memorialization practices vary significantly across cultures, reflecting diverse approaches to grief, remembrance, and honor. In some cultures, communal rituals and public memorials are central to the grieving process, emphasizing collective memory and social cohesion. In others, private acts of remembrance are more prevalent, focusing on individual experiences of loss (Sørensen et al., 2019).

Understanding these cultural differences is essential for the creation and interpretation of memorials. It ensures that commemorative practices are culturally sensitive and resonate with the intended audience. Moreover, it highlights the importance of context in the design and implementation of memorials, as practices that are meaningful in one culture may not hold the same significance in another (Mechtild, 2018).

Cross-cultural perspectives also shed light on the universal aspects of memorialization, such as the human need to remember and honor the past. By examining both the unique and shared elements of memorial practices, we can gain a deeper understanding of their psychological and social functions (Wagoner, 2019).

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