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Baha’i
Baha’i is a religion with Islamic roots. Baha’is believe that after
death, the soul leaves the physical body and world behind for a
spiritual one. This spiritual world does not necessarily contain a
Heaven or a Hell. Instead, Heaven is being near God, while Hell is
being farther away. In addition, the Baha’i religion does not have a
particular set of guidelines regarding funeral services. The few
practices that they do have are as follows:Baha’is may wear anything
from casual attire to formal wear to a funeral. Flowers and
contributions in the deceased’s memory are also appropriate.
However, non-Baha’is cannot contribute to a Baha’i fund. Concerning
the deceased, they must be buried within a one-hour radius of the
place of death. In addition, they are not to be embalmed or shown in
an open casket.
Buddhism
According to the
Buddhist faith, individuals pass through a series of reincarnations
until they are liberated from worldly illusions and passions. Death
is a way to reach the next reincarnation and move closer to nirvana,
a state of absolute bliss. Buddhist funerals are often more like
celebrations, where followers focus on the soul of the deceased as
it makes its ascent from the physical body.
The Buddhist funeral services revolve around the concepts of
sharing, good conduct and meditation. The first service is held
within two days of a death at the home of the bereaved. A second
service is held two to five days following the death, and is
conducted by monks at the funeral home. The third and final service
is held seven days after the burial or cremation and is meant to
create positive energy for the deceased as he transcends to the next
stage of reincarnation.
The viewing takes place the evening before the
funeral. Guests are expected to view the body and offer a small bow
in front of the casket to honor the impermanence of life. Guests
should also offer their condolences to the family. The funeral
ceremony includes chanting and individual offerings of incense.
Guests are not expected to join either part of the ceremony, but
should sit quietly and observe the rituals. While the family dresses
in white, guests usually wear modest black clothing. Loose clothing
is advised for ceremonies at temples where guests must sit on the
floor to meditate.
Flowers and donations can be sent to the funeral home, but food
offerings are discouraged.
Christian Scientist
In 1879, Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy founded the Christian Scientist
religion in Boston, Mass. Christian Scientists believe that sin,
death and disease do not come from God. Instead, they are created by
man. They also believe that funeral services are optional.
If a funeral service is preferred, attendees are encouraged to wear
formal clothing in muted colors. Services are typically held in
private or in funeral homes as opposed to a church. Since Christian
Scientists do not have clergy, a Christian Scientist teacher,
practitioner, reader or friend conducts the ceremony. The ceremony
does not include personal remarks or eulogies. However, it does
include readings from one of Mrs. Eddy’s books or from the King
James Bible. Also, funerals are not typically open casket. In
addition, food may be served afterward. However, alcohol is not
permitted.
Episcopalian
Episcopalians find their religious roots in the Church of England.
They believe in heaven and hell, with the final judgment being made
by Christ. Their funeral services can take place alone or as part of
a bigger ceremony, complete with Communion. An Episcopal priest
conducts the ceremony, during which the casket is typically closed.
During the ceremony, the priest reads from The Book of Common
Prayer. Non-Episcopalians are encouraged to join in reciting the
prayers if they [the prayers] agree with their faith. In addition,
only baptized Christians are permitted to take Communion.
Greek Orthodox
The Greek Orthodox Church has many traditions—many of them
surrounding funeral services. Members of the Greek Orthodox religion
believe that at the moment of death, the deceased receive a partial
judgment—they get a preview of heaven and hell. On the final
judgment day, the deceased are sent to either heaven or hell.
At the deceased’s funeral services, mourners are expected to wear
navy blue or black, formal clothing. If mourners choose to visit the
grieving family before the service, tradition requires that they
say, “May you have an abundant life,” or “May their memory be
eternal.” In addition, making contributions to a pre-determined
charity or fund is appropriate. During the actual services, mourners
must stand at the appropriate times and pay respects to the family.
Funerals are also typically open casket. As a result, both members
and non-members of the Greek Orthodox faith are expected to bow in
front of the casket and kiss the object (cross or otherwise) resting
on the deceased’s chest. Later, at the internment, each mourner
places a flower on the casket. Afterward, family and friends may
head to a restaurant, church hall or private home for what is
customarily called a “mercy meal.”
Other traditions include that widows wear black clothing for up to
two years after the death of their spouse and that a memorial
service for the deceased be held on the Sunday closest to the 40-day
mark after death. Annual memorial services may follow on the
anniversary of the death.
Hindu
Hindus believe that upon death, an individual’s soul enters another
reincarnation. The reincarnation depends on the individual’s karma,
which is determined by his actions in his present life as well as
his past lives. Once an individual realizes the true nature of
reality, the soul will become one with Brahman, the One,
All-Encompassing soul. The funeral ceremony serves as a purification
process to cleanse the soul for a possible union with Brahman.
After a Hindu’s death, the family prepares the body for the funeral
and wraps it in a shroud. The body is then presented at the family’s
home for a viewing. Women place flowers at the feet of the body, and
everyone joins in chanting to Yama, the god of death.
Following the viewing, the men carry the body to the crematorium.
Hindu’s cremate the dead because the burning of the body symbolizes
the release of the spirit. Prayers are said at the entrance of the
crematorium. The chief mourner, usually the eldest son or male in
the family, offers prayers of goodbye from the entire family.
Sometimes, the men will shave their heads as a sign of respect for
the deceased. Guests are expected to leave as soon as the cremation
begins. The ashes, according to traditional Hindu belief, must be
washed or placed into a river for final cleansing.
Family and guests come together for a meal and prayers following the
cremation. The mourning period lasts for 13 days when friends may
visit the family to offer comfort. Visitors are expected to bring
fruit.
Hmong
The Hmong view death as a natural part of the life cycle. All Hmong
are given a mandate upon birth that determines the length of their
life. When their mandate is up, the soul must leave its body to
reside with its ancestors.
When a Hmong dies, the entire family comes to the home to pay their
respects. Traditionally, the Hmong prefer to die in their own home
and hold the funeral there among family and friends. Due to
restrictions in the West, the Hmong must store the body and hold the
service in a funeral home.
A typical Hmong funeral lasts three days. The funeral is the most
important part of Hmong culture and must be done properly to ensure
a prosperous afterlife for the deceased. Family members prepare the
body for burial and adorn it with objects to protect its soul from
evil spirits as it journeys to the other world. They provide the
soul with food, wine, clothing and money. The Hmong will also
sacrifice a rooster to accompany the soul on its journey. Musicians
play a pipe and set of drums to guide the soul in the direction of
its ancestors.
The Hmong will perform a ceremony a year following the death to
invite the soul back for a final feast. An animal is traditionally
sacrificed at this service to ensure that the soul makes its final
ascent to its ancestors.
Islam
Supporters of the Islamic faith, called Muslims, believe in an
afterlife. Once an individual’s soul is freed from his physical
body, he awaits the final Day of Reckoning when he must account for
his actions. The Qur’an explains both the rewards of heaven and the
punishments of hell. Burials are preformed as quickly as possible
after the death in order to free the soul from the body
A Muslim funeral has two purposes: to provide a decent burial for
the deceased and to comfort the family. Friends should listen to the
family’s grief and encourage them to accept God’s will so they can
return to a normal routine. Funerals are simple yet respectful.
Women should cover their heads and arms and sit separately from the
men.
Following the service, mourners are expected to walk with the casket
to the plot. Everyone should remain silent during the procession.
The body is buried without a casket, and turned so that the head
points toward Mecca, the Muslim direction of prayer.
Friends may bring baked goods, fruits or simple meals that need only
to be heated. Do not bring flowers.
Jehovah’s Witness
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that in death, the deceased are
unconscious—sleeping in their graves while waiting for the final
resurrection, and that exactly 144,000 of them [the Jehovah’s
Witnesses] receive eternal life immediately upon their death. In
heaven, they will help Jesus Christ in establishing the Kingdom that
will bring better conditions on Earth at the time of the final
resurrection - Armageddon. The world’s remaining Jehovah’s Witnesses
will continue to live forever on Earth in a new, “earthly paradise.”
At a Jehovah’s Witness’ funeral, mourners are expected to wear
simple clothing in muted colors. The funeral services last between
15 and 30 minutes and are typically held at a Kingdom Hall – the
place of worship for their faith – or a funeral home. A
congregation’s elder runs the services. Following the hall or
funeral home services are graveside services.
Judaism
Judaism, like many other religions, is made up of different sects.
The four major sects of one of the world’s oldest religions include
(in order of liberal to more conservative): reform,
reconstructionist, conservative and orthodox. Reform and
Reconstructionist Jews believe that there is no bodily resurrection
or physical life after death. Conservative Jews believe that there
will be a resurrection of the dead. In the physical sense, there
will be a resurrection at the coming of the Messiah. Spiritually,
the deceased will live on through the memories of the living.
Orthodox Jews also believe that there is a type of physical and
spiritual life after death at the coming of the Messiah. The
resulting lives are lived in heaven and hell-like places.
Nevertheless, these sects follow to a degree many of the same
customs concerning funeral services and traditions.
Funeral services take place the day after death. Attendees are
expected to wear formal attire in subdued colors. Also, non-Jews are
not permitted to wear symbols of other faiths (i.e. a crucifix,
etc.). Specifically, men must wear head coverings—either a yarmulke
or a kippah. At some conservative services, women must also wear
head coverings, while at orthodox services, women are expected to
cover their arms and legs to the knee in addition to their heads.
Mourners should not send flowers. Food, however, is permitted.
Although, if attendees send food, it should be kosher—or food
blessed by a rabbi.
Rabbis conduct the funeral services. They can be either men or
women, except in the Orthodox sect (men only). Funerals are also
typically closed casket. Cremation is not permitted (except among
some Reform Jews).
Additionally, mourners are not permitted to enter during the
recessional, processional or reading of eulogies during the
services. Funeral services usually last between 15 and 60 minutes.
Following the services is internment, where no acquaintances are to
be present. At the time of internment, the casket is carried in a
slow procession to the grave with seven pauses along the way. After
prayers, each person places a shovel-full of dirt on the casket. The
immediate family then recites the Kaddish—a prayer about God and His
relationship with the mourners. Others in attendance recite only the
limited responses. As the immediate family leaves, they walk between
two rows—made up of the rest of the funeral procession.
Immediately following internment, the family sits in mourning. This
7-day period is known as a shiva. During the shiva, visitors are
expected to stay for a 30-minute visit to eat and express
condolences. Visitors must wait for members of the immediate family
to eat their meal first, but they [visitors] do not have to say
prayers before eating. Visitors must also wait to be addressed by
the immediate family before paying their respects. In addition,
there are services during shiva—one each in the morning and
evening—for 10 to 20 minutes. Non-Jews can silently read English
from the prayerbook and stand when necessary.
Also during this time, members of the immediate family sit on small
chairs or boxes, wearing a cut black ribbon and slippers or socks to
show grief. Additionally, a 7-day shiva candle is immediately lit
(following the internment), mirrors are covered, and “luxurious”
bathing is prohibited (i.e. no shaving or cutting hair). Conducting
business is also prohibited. In this way, family members avoid
vanity and express the extent of their grief. Overall, mourners miss
work for about a week—social functions with dancing and music, from
one month to a year. Family members can mourn (i.e. wear black,
attend services, etc.) for up to 11 months after the death of a
parent or child with 30 days for other relatives such as an aunt or
uncle. During this time (which includes shiva), the Kaddish is
recited every day. On the anniversary of the death (yahrzeit),
mourners may attend services and light a yahrzeit candle that burns
for 24 hours. In addition, there may be an “unveiling” of the
tombstone—a simple ceremony that takes place one year later. This
ceremony is invitation-only.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints / Mormon
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints accepts death as an
essential part of the plan of salvation. The followers, commonly
known as Mormons, believe that everyone who lived or ever will live
on earth is a spiritual child of God because they all lived with God
before the existence of man. When an individual dies, the soul
leaves the body for the spirit world, a place of learning and
preparation. Upon the resurrection of Christ, the body and soul are
reunited for eternity.
Since Mormons believe they will be reunited with the deceased in the
afterlife, funerals are a time for hope and anticipation. Guests
should wear modest clothing and ensure that their hems are near the
knees. The service includes sacred music, prayer and a eulogy that
remind mourners of Jesus Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection. Close
family and friends attend a brief graveside service following the
funeral.
The family usually hosts a gathering after the service so that all
attendees can offer their condolences. Cards and flowers are
appropriate gifts.
Pentecostal
When a Pentecostal dies, his body returns to the earth while his
soul awaits final judgment. The destiny of the deceased depends on
his adherence to the redemptive plan designed by God for sinners.
Pentecostals who follow that plan will eventually join God and enjoy
eternal life. Ultimately, the soul will reunite with the body during
the Resurrection.
The funeral ceremony includes singing, scripture reading and prayer.
The minister will offer a sermon and eulogy in honor of the
deceased. Guests should wear dark clothing.
Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or church where the funeral
is held. Guests may also offer food to the family to help them
during their grieving period.
Protestant / Christian
Many European leaders including Martin Luther and John Calvin
founded Protestantism during the Reformation of the Roman Catholic
Church. Protestants originally differentiated themselves from other
Christians by accepting the Bible as the only source of infallible
truth. The present-day Protestant Sects include Baptists,
Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalian and Pentecostal.
Protestant funerals have a wide variation of customs and are
generally tailored to the wishes of the deceased and his family.
Services are meant to comfort the family and guests while also
celebrating the life of the deceased. The minister often emphasizes
the promise of life after death as a reassurance to the bereaved.
The funeral usually occurs within three days of the death. It is
common for the family to host a visitation period prior to the
funeral where guests can pay their respects to the deceased and give
their condolences to the family.
Guests are not expected to stay for the duration of the viewing. The
funeral service usually includes scripture readings from the Bible,
hymns and a sermon. A close friend or family member will most likely
offer a eulogy in appreciation for the deceased’s life. While black
clothing is no longer necessary for Protestant funerals, guests
should dress in a respectable manner. Guests can send flowers cards
or charitable donations to the funeral home or to the church where
the funeral will take place.
The family often hosts a gathering following the funeral. The
purpose of the gathering is to share memories of the deceased that
help the family deal with their grief. Food can be sent or delivered
in person to the family’s home.
Roman
Catholic
Roman
Catholic funerals are rich with tradition and sacrament, but vary
according to individual, family and church. The religion expands
many geographic regions, making personal heritage and tradition a
large part of the Catholic ceremony. Irish, Russian and Italian are
just a few of the cultures that influence the tone and structure of
a Catholic funeral, and each heritage has a unique way of dealing
with grief.
Typically, the second day after a loved one passes away, friends and
family will hold a visitation or “wake,” usually held at a funeral
home.
Immediately following the wake or on the third day, a Catholic
funeral is held. The funeral service may stand alone, or be part of
a bigger ceremony known as a mass. The mass is one of the
foundations of the Catholic religion, having been conducted in the
same manner with the same words and gestures for hundreds of years.
Only recently has the mass been changed from Latin to the language
of each local parish’s members.
During mass, the priest reads from Scripture, leads prayers and
administers Holy Communion. Non-Catholics are encouraged to stand
during appropriate parts of the ceremony. However, kneeling,
singing, or reading prayers aloud is optional. Non-Catholics must
also refrain from taking Holy Communion during mass. A funeral
reception may also be held after the services, where food and/or
drink are often served, depending on the deceased’s family’s wishes.
Additionally, a mass may be held on the annual anniversary of the
death.
Scientology
Scientology began in 1954 in Los Angeles, under the leadership of L.
Ron Hubbard. Scientology is based on eight “dynamics”—self, family
and sex, groups, mankind, all life forms, the physical universe,
spirituality, and infinity or the Supreme Being. The ultimate goal
is for man to reach the greatest level of understanding or success
in each of these dynamics. Scientologists also believe that man is
immortal and spiritual. Therefore, man lives several lives.
Scientology gives its parishioners the “tools” to deal with these
past lives and to be happy in their current lives.
As a result, Scientologists conduct memorial services, rather than
funerals, after death. At these services, Scientology ministers
reiterate that the deceased, as a spiritual being, has moved into a
new life.
Seventh Day Adventist
Seventh Day Adventists believe the dead sleep until the Second
Coming of Christ. On this day, the deceased and the living face a
final judgment to determine their salvation. Those who remain loyal
to God will enter the sanctuary of heaven to enjoy eternal life.
The funeral for a Seventh Day Adventist usually occurs within one
week of his death. Friends are encouraged to call and offer
condolences to the family before the funeral. Seventh Day Adventists
provide comfort for the family by saying phrases such as, “I sense
your grief and share it with you” or “We look for the coming
resurrection.” It is also customary for guests to offer a brief word
of encouragement to the family before the funeral service. Women
should wear respectable clothing that covers the arms and falls just
below the knee. Guests should wear dark clothing and remove all
jewelry.
It is appropriate to pay the family a visit several days following
the funeral to assist with difficulties and to offer comforting
words that may ease the grieving process. Guests may send flowers or
food to the house. Do not make any charitable donations.
Shinto
When a Shinto
follower dies, his spirit lives forever under the protection of
ancestral spirits and Kami, or Shinto divinities. The Shinto perform
daily rituals at shrines in their homes to bring the spirits of the
dead back to earth. They offer food, drink and burn incense. These
rituals ensure that the dead are always remembered.
While Shintoism is simple in nature, the ceremonies are very complex
and do not allow for personalization. Each stage of a Shinto burial
is performed according to ancient rituals. A burial contains over 20
procedures. The kich-fuda, koden and bunkotsu are three of the
procedures. The kich-fuda is a time of serious mourning where close
family and friends wear all black and carry stringed prayer beads.
During the koden procedure, friends and family offer monetary gifts
to the immediate family to help with funeral expenses. The bunkotsu
stage is one of the final steps, where ashes are given to close
family members to put in their home shrines.
Sikhism
According to Sikhism, individuals go through a constant cycle of
birth and rebirth until their soul breaks free and meets with the
supreme soul, God. Sikhs remain continuously aware of death,
repeating prayers and performing righteous deeds so they may
eventually break the cycle of birth and death. Since death is viewed
as an act of the Almighty, Sikhs are expected to keep their emotions
under control. Even the closest mourners should appear detached.
Upon the death of a Sikh, the family prepares the deceased with a
yogurt bath and dressings that bear the five symbols of a Sikh. The
five symbols are a kirpin, the Sikh knife representing compassion
and one’s duty to defend the truth, kara, a stainless steel
bracelet, kachera, a special Sikh underwear, kanga, a small comb and
kesh, or uncut hair. The family recites many prayers throughout the
preparations to help the soul leave the body and become one with
God.
Once the body is prepared, the family carries it to the crematorium
followed by a procession of friends and family. Sikhs continue to
recite many prayers. Since all of the prayers are recited in
Gurmukhi, the original language of the Gurus, guests are not
expected to join. Both men and women must wear headgear during all
ceremonies. A scarf covering the head is adequate. There is no
requirement for color of clothing.
The Sikh mourning period lasts between two to five weeks. The family
may decide to hold a number of ceremonies during that time period.
Flowers and cards are appropriate gifts. Foods are also appreciated
but nothing with meat, fish, eggs or alcohol.
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