Ritualizing companion animal death in Finnish small-animal crematoria

Authors

  • Janne Ikäheimo Oulun yliopisto

Keywords:

cultural semiotics, visual culture, Finland, companion animal cremation, mourning rituals

Abstract

This article examines Finnish small-animal crematoria as cultural actors that shape and reflect meanings associated with companion animal death through the textual and visual content from their websites. The results – based on cultural semiotics, visual culture studies, and discourse analysis – indicate that cremation services are framed as ritual and emotional practices in which the companion animal is equated with a family member, and its death is presented as a dignified transition. The language and imagery on the websites construct a narrative of a “final journey,” emphasizing individuality, comfort, and closeness to nature. At the same time, a cultural tension is highlighted: while the companion animal is portrayed as a person, pricing and regulation return it to the legal and economic category of an animal. The study also offers insights into how the rise of non-religiosity and the individualization of death reshape mourning rituals and commercialize them in contemporary Finland.

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Published

2026-05-05

Issue

Section

Articles (peer-reviewed)

How to Cite

Ikäheimo, J. (2026). Ritualizing companion animal death in Finnish small-animal crematoria. TRACE ∴ Journal for Human-Animal Studies, 13, 76-100. https://trace.journal.fi/article/view/164274