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Funerals and cemeteries
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I wanted to make a cultural comparison between Sweden and USA. To photograph cemeteries and funerals in USA was much more difficult than I ever thought. Undertakers and other professionals in the trade were surprised to see my photos from Sweden which to them were very revealing. I was not given access to photograph behind the scenes. Death is a taboo in Sweden, but is much more so in the USA. |
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I had to apply for permission to photograph on some cemeteries in New York and Los Angeles. Once I had to promise that names on tombstones would not be visible on my photos. The reason to this is the fear that relatives may sue the cemetery for damages. |
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A funeral in the USA takes place 1-3 days after a person has died. In Sweden 2-3 weeks is usual. About 85% of Americans die in institutions. In Sweden about 35% . About 20% of the dead people are cremated in the USA, rate is going up slowly. In Sweden the rate is about 70% and is increasing as well. |
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© Harry Peronius |
Part 1
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