“Love, Respect and Reverence”

The Unification of the German Funeral Industry

By Dr. Simon J. Walter, Cultural Representative of the German Burial Culture Foundation, Germany

The year 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the German Federal Association of Funeral Directors (BDB). Since its inception, the federation has been stellar in advancing the interests of funeral professionals in Germany. Preserving the customs and traditions of our burial culture is part of its mission, as well as facilitating dialogue about the changing realities of life of clients and funeral directors alike.

How did the idea of a joint organization for all funeral directors emerge? What motivated the founding fathers in the early years – just after the Second World War? What did they strive to accomplish – and were they able to reach their goals?

Read more in summer issue THANOS magazine 2/2023 (102)