Grief doesn’t just mark the loss of loved ones, it often signifies the end of a chapter in a family’s cultural history, especially for migrant communities.

My grandparents, in providing unconditional love and stability, taught me humility, the joy of simple things, and the value of hard work. I have fond memories of them enacting traditional religious rituals and nurturing a strong cultural identity within our family. Both my personal connection to them and the cultural legacy they passed down continue to shape my grief in many ways. Their own ways of grieving were structured, deeply rooted in cultural and religious norms, which profoundly influenced how I understand and navigate loss. Their deaths marked more than just the loss of loved ones—it signified the end of a chapter in our family’s history, especially with respect to their migratory journeys.

Many Greek religious and cultural traditions are closely tied to my memories of my grandparents, and they continue to bring me comfort as an adult. For example, visiting the cemetery and lighting a ‘kandili’ (καντήλι: a small oil lamp/candle) and eating ‘koliva’ (κόλλυβα: a memorial, primarily wheat-based dish) on specific days have always evoked a deep sense of nostalgia.

I have always felt a profound connection with my grandparents, which has endured even after their deaths.

Grief looks different for different people, especially when it is informed by cultural and religious beliefs which may fall outside mainstream Australian norms.

Many existing grief models are based on Western or secular frameworks, which can overlook or misinterpret the diverse ways people express and process grief.

Mourning timelines vary across cultures and individuals, and professionals need to show greater awareness and flexibility in recognising these differences. Supporting spiritual and ritual needs—especially at the end of life or after death—is essential and should align with each person’s cultural and religious preferences.

Accessing grief support can be challenging for culturally and linguistically diverse communities due to language barriers and limited culturally responsive services. For many groups, grief is experienced collectively, with families and communities playing a central role in supporting the bereaved—emphasising connection over individual emotional expression.