What You Should Know About Different Types of Funerals

What You Should Know About Different Types of Funerals
By Frank S. Miller

 

Each culture has its own unique way of defining what a funeral is. Even within our own culture we have differents set of beliefs as to what funerals are. Each type is a unique way of commemorating the life of the deceased and celebrating the love of his family and friends.

Here are some of the different types of funerals that are currently used today:

Traditional Service- This is the most typical type of funeral. In a traditional service, the guests express their condolences to the family of the deceased in a hall where the casket is present. There will then be a service and then a procession to the cemetery where the burial would occur.

Memorial Service- This form of service is held without the body. The service is held in order to celebrate the life of the deceased. It is usually held after burial of the body or after cremation and is also sometimes used when the body is not recovered.

Graveside Service- This sort of service is held right at the cemetery where the burial would occur. It can be held on the burial ground itself or inside a chapel in the cemetery.

Non-commemorative Funerals- This is when the body is buried or cremated without any kind of formal service held to commemorate the life of the person. This would also apply to the bodies that are donated for medical research.

These are the different types of funerals that are used today.

Visitations: What is it?

This is a practice also known as a wake. It has its roots in ancient civilizations, back then it was still the practice to watch over the body of the deceased for a few nights before it is buried. It was hoped that the deceased would come back to life or that someone might snatch the body.

Now, the practice is held mostly to let friends and family to pay respects to the dead before it is finally laid to rest. It also provides the family of the dead the needed psychological boost so that they can deal with their loss.

The length of the wake can vary greatly and it is usually held in a place that could accommodate a great number of people who might want to pay their respects to the dead.

Locations of Services

Services can be held in different places. It could be held at the home of the deceased though that might restrict the number of people going to the services. Funeral homes and chapels are also common places where the services are held. As we have mentioned there are services that can be held in the cemetery itself.

The choice of funeral service provider is a very crucial matter that you should consider carefully. Keep in mind that it is your final chance to show love and respect for the family member who has passed away so you would want the services to be perfect. Don't just pick the first one that you would come across.

Scotto Funeral Home is a center for life in Carroll Gardens often opening the funeral home up for public meetings and civic organizations. If you are looking for a funeral home Brooklyn, come and visit our site today!