Mirjam Klaassens

Roadside memorials from a geographical perspective

Abstract Roadside memorials are frequently visible in the Netherlands. Such a memorial marks a previously anonymous roadside, which is transformed into a place with special, even sacred, meanings to the bereaved, as it is the place where their loved one has died. We look at these memorials from a geographical point of view, i.e. we discuss the memorials as meaningful places. How do these places look, how do they function and what do they mean? We created a database consisting of information on more than 300 memorials, including photographs of about 150 of these and we interviewed 24 bereaved who established a memorial. The exact geographical location of the fatal traffic accident turns out to be crucial as it marks the ultimate transformative event that has taken place: from life to death. Temporary memorials are mainly established by friends, whereas parents construct more permanent ones. We argue that roadside memorials are part of wider communication networks. They provide a place for the bereaved to communicate not only with the deceased, but also with the outside world about what they consider a ‘bad death’. Consequently, the establishment, maintenance and communication possibilities of roadside memorials constitute a way to give meaning to an otherwise senseless death.

New Places of Remembrance: Individual Web Memorials in the Netherlands

The creation of places of remembrance in virtual space constitutes a new ritual to commemorate the dead. The purpose of this study is to explore for whom individual Web memorials are meaningful places, who are commemorated, and whether they constitute a community of support. We analyzed 181 Dutch Web memorials and conducted content analysis of messages posted in four guestbooks. We found that parents, and in particular mothers, create Web memorials in remembrance of their deceased children. The memorials provide access to a community of social support, consisting primarily of strangers and/or people who have experienced a similar loss.

Expressions of Private Mourning in Public Space: The Evolving Structure of Spontaneous and Permanent Roadside Memorials in the Netherlands

A visual content analysis of photos of 216 roadside memorials in the Netherlands was undertaken together with 24 interviews with the people who constructed them to understand how they deal with traumatic death. Friends urgently need to memorialize the deceased and establish spontaneous memorials. They place meaningful objects at the place of death, not necessarily indicating the deceaseds identity. In contrast, permanent memorials identify who died and re-embody that person and are primarily established by parents. By transforming the death site into a place of care, parents continue their role as nurturers. Differences in types of memorials are discussed.

Postmodern crematoria in the Netherlands: a search for a final sense of place

ABSTRACT Since 2002, cremation has been the dominant form of bodily disposal in the Netherlands. Consequently, people are increasingly using crematoria as places to say farewell to their loved ones. However, in contemporary society, with its growing demand for more personalised death rites, many crematoria have been criticised for being technical ‘non-places’ rather than symbolic ones permitting emotional fulfilment. We selected recently-built crematoria in Haarlem, Leusden and Zoetermeer to examine whether they display new postmodern design principles. Although the architects of these crematoria had to incorporate modern principles, in particular for the functional aspects of the buildings, they clearly also invested in their symbolic function. The crematoria are designed as uplifting places to celebrate the life lived in a meaningful and bright environment, and to finalise the ritual procession in the crematory area.