In many parts of the world, grief rituals and cultural approaches to mourning shape how people heal after loss. For Sicilians, grief is not something to be hidden or overcome. It is witnessed, shared, spoken aloud, and woven into community life. Grief is understood as a human experience that deserves expression, support, and ritual.

In contrast, much of American and Western culture tends to value emotional restraint, productivity, and a quick return to “normal.” Grief is often expected to be managed quietly, efficiently, and on a socially acceptable timeline. This push to “move on” often leaves the bereaved feeling isolated and unsupported .

By looking at how Sicilian culture models grief, we can begin to imagine healthier, more compassionate ways of responding to loss.

Becoming a parent is often depicted as a joyous and life-affirming event - images of love at first sight, instant bonding, practically a state of euphoria, and purpose. The reality, though, can be far more complex. For many, the perinatal period — the time during pregnancy and the first year postpartum (including infertility and fertility treatments) — can be a challenging emotional and mental landscape to navigate, often made even more challenging when it is not talked about. Even if and when love, bonding, and a sense of purpose are present, mental health during pregnancy and postpartum is too often silenced.