UAB “Pas Virginijija” reconstructed the funeral home in Gargždai

The fragile border between life and death – I will not plan a funeral, but a person should be accompanied on his last journey with respect. In recent years, relatives spend less and less time saying goodbye to the deceased. The change in burial traditions was influenced by the outbreak of covid, as well as foreign fashions.
Virginija and Algimantas Ruškiai, the owners of UAB “Pas Virginijja”, a company providing ritual services in Gargždai, reconstructed the funeral home in order to meet modern standards and provide higher quality ritual services.
Cozy rooms for the bereaved
UAB “Pas Virginijja” has been providing ritual services for 27 years. 22 years ago, entrepreneurs V. and A. Ruškiai from Gargždi in the city center on Žemaitės street. installed an armory hall, which was reconstructed this year. “We invested so much that we could build a new building, but we decided to stay here – not to move to a more secluded place, because it is more convenient for older people,” said V. Ruškienė.
After a couple of months of reconstruction, the funeral home continued to provide services. “We make armor in the halls of the Gargžda church, we take it to other districts of the district, cities and towns of the country – wherever the customers want,” the businessmen explained. “We have been training in our renovated premises since mid-October.”
According to the owners, only the walls remained from the former building – everything was thoroughly renovated, and a modern interior was created. After the change in the planning of the premises, more space became available in the armory hall: about 50 people can sit here. Modernized lighting – it can be adjusted, relatives can show images or photographs about the life of the deceased on the TV screen. The coffin riser matches the interior design.
A renovated staircase leads to the second floor, where there is a room for funeral participants and guests. Bereaved relatives can chat over a cup of coffee or tea in a cozy environment. A modern kitchen with all equipment and amenities is right here. Businessmen have noticed that those who want a cozier space closer to their home environment choose to armor the dead here. After the reconstruction, the rent of the premises costs 200 euros per day.
Old traditions are disappearing
Businessmen Ruškai noticed that burial traditions changed a lot during the period of independence. “Our old customs were gradually replaced by foreign experiences,” V. Ruškienė taught. – The fast pace of life now – we don’t have time to say goodbye to our neighbors, let alone say goodbye to the deceased. Earlier, all the walls were hung with wreaths near the coffin of the dead, and now they no longer carry them – only a flower ring and an envelope with a donation – there is no more pomp.”
“It also happens that collectives honor the deceased by bringing a wreath,” said A. Ruškys. – But now the place where the coffin is placed is more decorated. Some ask to decorate more economically, and others to make it spectacular. We recently had an exclusive order – we decorated the armory with rose flowers – we laid a live flower carpet.”
Since ancient times, two days were set aside to say goodbye to the deceased, and now, usually, one day is spent in armor, and the next is buried. However, it happens that two or three hours are enough, and such cases are increasing. “The burial is in a hurry, because the work is pressing, it is necessary to go abroad and the like,” said V. Ruškienė. – These traditions come from abroad – emigrants from Norway told us that there is no hurry to bury the body of the deceased after cremation: when there is time, they will bury it.”
Entrepreneurs have noticed that the Žemaičiai Kalvarija mountains are being sung less and less or they are being shortened a lot. “It’s sad when funeral participants walk in the yard during the singing of these hymns,” said V. Ruškienė. – Parents no longer take their children to funerals – they don’t know how to behave, they lack the patience to listen to carols. Sometimes there is a lack of respect for the departed, even though he lived an honest, beautiful life.”
According to businessmen who provide ritual services, funerals used to be attended by 50 to 60 people in previous years, but now sometimes around 20. They noted that this was due to the pandemic, when gatherings were prohibited. The trend of not attending funerals has continued to this day. “The culture of funerals has changed – there are fewer people saying goodbye to the deceased,” said Vytautas Ruškys, the son of businessmen, who also got involved in this business. Businessmen try to discreetly advise that respect for the deceased should be preserved, Masses should be ordered in the church and that the participants of the funeral should gather for them.

Virginia LAPIENĖ
Personal archive photo.