In a single generation, Qu茅bec, which had been one of the world鈥檚 most religious societies, became one of the least. Death is increasingly experienced as a medical event and grief and bereavement are included as part of a continuum of support in palliative and end-of-life health care. Memorial services, rather than religious funeral services, are increasingly common. The grieving process is more individualized, moving away from the communal and ritualistic approaches of the past and with less rigid societal expectations about how one should mourn. Sympathy cards are more personalized, mirroring growing secularism and social and ethnic diversity.
COLOURS
This period marks a move toward simpler, minimalistic design and more muted colour palettes. Monochromatic designs become more common. With earthy tones and generic images, the sympathy card can barely be distinguished from other common greeting cards.
SYMBOLS
Cards use nature and abstract ideas to represent peace. As the focus shifts from religious imagery toward nature, colours such as soft greens and blues that symbolize calmness, renewal, and the natural cycle of life and death are popular.
PRINTED TEXT
Texts on many cards are in cursive fonts that look handwritten. The tone reflects a more conversational approach with messages such as 鈥淚鈥檓 Here for You鈥�, 鈥淭ake all the time you need鈥�, or 鈥淭hinking of You鈥�, reflecting a shift in focus from the memory of the deceased to the emotional support for the bereaved. Many cards include messages about healing and finding peace, particularly for the living. Cards are available for individuals who experience disenfranchised grief such as the loss of a pet or a miscarriage.
HANDWRITTEN MESSAGES
Written messages continue to be sparse. Digital options such as e-cards and social media messages become common, allowing friends and family to share memories, photos, and messages.
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