Funeral Customs

While most of us associate funeral services with religious beliefs, statistics show that about half of Americans are choosing to have nonreligious end of life services. Services might be held in a funeral home, church, temple, private home, crematorium, park, beach, even at sea. Services are also including more meaningful songs, readings, and mementos to family and friends.

So while there is no cookie-cutter description of funerals, one thing is certain: the funeral, ritual, memorial, service, celebration, or whatever it is called will be significant in helping the family grieve and start the healing process.

People grieve in different ways. Some may tear at their clothes, or wail and moan. Others will stand quietly, receiving family and friends. Still others may focus on sharing happy memories with guests.

Regardless, it is the purpose of funeral customs and traditions to give the family a way to express their grief, find closure, and heal.