Hi elm0505,

In the old days people wore black as a symbol of mourning ~ more for other people IMOH. When you saw a little Southern European woman wearing black, you knew instinctively to be respectful.

On the flip side, in our family funerals are more of a party when we get back to the house. Laughing, crying, reminiscing. It’s good to smile and chuckle as your loved one would want you to be happy.

Your co-worker sounds clueless though. Maybe pull him aside and say, “I know this is a weird request, but my brother literally just died. Could you keep the singing and joking down to like, one song or joke a day? Thanks!”

Blessings,

Inky