Sympathy is one of those human experiences that transcends borders, but how do we show it? 

That’s where things get interesting.

You send flowers. I drop off lasagna. Someone else lights a candle, shares a prayer, or shows up in silence with zero expectations of conversation. Around the world, cultures have developed their own deeply rooted ways of expressing sympathy, and no, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. 

Let’s take a brief tour.

United States 

In the U.S., sympathy cards, casseroles, and floral arrangements are the go-tos. 

You might hear phrases like “They’re in a better place” or “Let me know if you need anything,” which may or may not be followed up on (hey, we’re trying). 

There’s a tendency to want to “fix” grief quickly, which is heartfelt but sometimes misses the mark. 

Still, the intention is solid: offer comfort, give space, and bring carbs. Good comfort food helps. 

Japan 

In Japan, expressions of sympathy are quiet and formal. 

It’s customary to bring condolence money (kōden), presented in a specific type of envelope, and say very little. There’s an emphasis on respect and modesty. For example, a bowed head conveys more than words. 

Grief is honored in an understated, dignified way, which makes sense in a culture that values harmony and social order.

Mexico

In Mexico, grief and celebration often go hand in hand. 

Marigolds, candles, and altars for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The grieving process is communal, and remembrance is lively. 

Sharing stories, music, and food with loved ones is a way to keep the departed’s memory alive, not hidden away in a box of tissues.

Ghana

Funerals in Ghana are major events with bright colors, music, and big gatherings. 

They’re seen as a final celebration of the person’s life and are sometimes held weeks after a death to allow time to plan a proper send-off. 

While the grief is real, the event leans toward uplifting rather than somber.

Jewish Tradition

In Jewish mourning customs, the practice of shiva invites friends and family to gather for seven days of remembrance and celebration of a life lived. 

Mirrors are covered, meals are brought in, and the focus is on support, not distraction. Sympathy here is structured, intentional, and deeply rooted in community, and expressed with an abundance of food, like deli meats, bagels, salads, and baked goods. 

Shivas are the perfect combination of mourning and meals. 

No matter where you are in the world, one thing is clear: sympathy is all about connection. Whether spoken, sung, cooked, or silently shared, expressing care in the face of loss is a universal language.

🙏 SHAMLESS PLUG ALERT 🙏

The loss of a loved one is tough, so we try to make the grieving process a little easier with our Deepest Sympathy Gift Basket. This package is geared at soothing the soul and filling the heart (and stomach) with: Claey’s hard candy; Pirouline wafer rolls; Cashews; Salmon pate; Monet crackers; J&M cookies; Jelly Bellys, and more. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

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