[Shadowstrike]

Okay, I would surmise it's done for spiritual purposes then? I haven't really heard of this being too common until my grandparents mentioned it, so someone here usually has the answer. :)

Yeah, but it's also a way to contemplate on the things happening in your life, a written reminder of how certain things shouldn't be stressed over. And, a way for kids or grandkids in the future to not just 'know about' said relative, but to 'connect' with that person.

[DeLaine]

I keep a private journal, online. But it has nothing to do with any religion and is just a private habit that I’ve recently picked back up to help me deal with some private issues.

[snugs]

That is a great point about knowing about family in future generations often only it is only hearsay and imperfect memory unless you come from a famous family.

[snugs]

Nowadays with more digital cameras, camcorders and jpegs etc of course families hopefully will save more memories but the written word IMHO cannot be improved upon as a memory as it tells so much about a person especially if done in their own hand though with computers etc this is becoming less likely.