Tiny point of information Marmora Man. In the past - before refridgeration and deep freeze facilities at funeral directors' premises and hospitals - when someone died the curtains were indeed drawn in the home. But the reason was to keep the warmth and light out. The body was usually left in the coffin in the house before being taken to the place of burial. However, to the other subjects, I do agree that seeing flowers and teddies on lamp-posts does remind us of our humanity, and I whole-heartedly agree with the statement above about about the ability to identify and sympathise with the emotions of other non related human beings. Also, it may have an effect in that someone may drive more slowly. Have you never walked in a cemetery and looked at the gravestones? Felt a sadness when you realised maybe the person died young?