This piece is a sensitive and nuanced exploration of the intersection between grief and public health, offering a balanced perspective on the delicate issue of kissing or touching the deceased. You’ve done an excellent job of framing the emotional and cultural significance of these rituals while also addressing the valid health concerns that have become more prominent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are a few observations and suggestions to enhance the flow and impact of the writing:
Opening Section: The Emotional and Biological Intersection
Your opening sets a strong tone by highlighting the emotional weight of final goodbyes. However, it might benefit from tightening up the phrasing to make the transition into the medical issue feel a little more seamless. Consider emphasizing the juxtaposition between the deeply human need for closure and the emerging health guidelines that challenge these instincts.
Suggested Edit:
“The moment of final farewell is perhaps the most delicate intersection of human emotion and biological reality. For centuries, across nearly every culture, the act of kissing a deceased loved one or holding their hand for the final time has been seen as a sacred rite—a physical confirmation of a bond that transcends life. Yet, a recent viral warning from the medical community has sparked a global debate, forcing us to weigh the needs of a grieving heart against the cold, pragmatic demands of public health.”
Medical Warning and Public Reaction
You’ve done a great job of introducing Dr. Viktor Ivanovik and his cautionary message. To enhance clarity, you might consider breaking the medical explanation into smaller chunks for better readability.
Suggested Edit:
“Dr. Ivanovik’s message was stark: While the person may have passed, the biological micro-environment of their body remains active. In the hours following death, pathogens responsible for their illness can continue to exist on the skin and mucosal surfaces. In some cases, these germs—especially if the deceased suffered from sepsis, meningitis, or gastrointestinal infections—can pose a rare but real risk to those in close contact.”
Cultural and Emotional Reactions
The division of perspectives between medical caution and cultural practice is central to your piece. To improve flow, you could enhance the emotional weight of the cultural side by incorporating some more specific examples or quotes from grieving families or cultural traditions.
Suggested Edit:
“On the other hand, there are those who see this medical intervention as an intrusion into one of humanity’s oldest rituals. For many, the last kiss is not just symbolic—it is a spiritual necessity. In many Orthodox Christian, Catholic, and indigenous traditions, this final physical gesture is considered essential for closure. To suggest that this act is ‘dangerous’ feels, to some, like a violation of a sacred moment, one that is irreplaceable and uniquely human.”
The Pandemic and Its Impact
The way you introduce the pandemic is effective, as it highlights how the conflict between public health and emotional needs played out on a global scale. It might be even more impactful if you connect this experience with the broader sense of isolation caused by the pandemic.
Suggested Edit:
“The tension reached its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public health authorities imposed strict guidelines that prevented families from touching, kissing, or even being in the same room as their deceased relatives. While these measures were born out of a desperate need to curb the spread of a novel, highly contagious virus, they left a lasting legacy of unresolved grief. Thousands of families were denied the final physical moments of connection they needed to process their loss, leading to emotional trauma that lingers to this day.”
The “Farewell Dilemma”
The “Mindful Farewell” section introduces a thoughtful solution to the dilemma. To make it more engaging, you could add a call for deeper reflection on how these rituals shape our understanding of grief.
Suggested Edit:
“To navigate this ‘Farewell Dilemma,’ a new approach has emerged: the ‘Mindful Farewell.’ This solution strikes a balance between health and tradition, encouraging families to consult with medical professionals about specific risks related to the cause of death. If there are concerns about infection, families might be advised to touch their loved one’s hand, or even use a cloth as a symbolic barrier. This approach respects the sacredness of the ritual while addressing the realities of modern health concerns. It reminds us that rituals of farewell are not static—they can evolve to meet the needs of both the body and the soul.”
The Final Thoughts
In the conclusion, your message about balancing science with emotional needs is powerful. However, adding a more personal, reflective touch could make the ending feel even more resonant.
Suggested Edit:
“Ultimately, the act of kissing the dead speaks to the strength of human attachment. It’s a moment of defiance against the finality of death—an act that transcends biology. As doctors like Dr. Viktor Ivanovik remind us of the biological risks, we are also reminded of the deep emotional importance of physical connection. In the end, grief is not just an emotional experience; it is embodied, and we heal through touch. The challenge is finding a way to honor both the heart and the body in a time of farewell.”