Broken Rituals - emotional work among bereaved individuals on missing rituals due to losing a close one during the Covid -19 pandemic in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a remarkable impact on individuals, societies and governments worldwide presenting many challenges. Among the most prominent are the experiences of death, grief, bereavement, and broken connections. These challenges have resulted in enduring emotional impacts, particularly in the absence of customary rituals during the pandemic. This study uses a qualitative method, conducting individual online interviews to investigate the emotional experiences of individuals who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19. These individuals were unable to fully engage in the traditional rituals associated with dying and death due to pandemic-related restrictions. Through this method, the study delves into the depths of their experiences, attempting to understand the complex nature of their emotional work. The findings of this study are significant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. They illuminate the profound impact of missing rituals and the inadequately substituted alternatives adopted during the pandemic. These experiences have brought up many feelings and thoughts about loss. They highlight how hard it can be to deal with such deep troubles without customary rituals.