The Christian Funeral Traditions
Friday, 25 June 2010 07:19
Author: Tom Tree
Certain elements of a funeral are expected to take place when a person who is a member of a Christian family passes away. There are traditions that have been part of Christian funerals for centuries. Others have more recently become customary and are now frequently integrated into the services. The most important ethnic traditions in funeral service - Christian family members will want to be sure to include is the reading of scripture.
Certain elements of a funeral are expected to take place when a person who is a member of a Christian family passes away. There are traditions that have been part of Christian funerals for centuries. Others have more recently become customary and are now frequently integrated into the services. The most important ethnic traditions in funeral service - Christian family members will want to be sure to include is the reading of scripture.
Services are typically done at a funeral parlor or church. Frequently, the body of the family member who has passed is kept at the funeral home for the time period between their passing and the services. It is cared for and treated by an undertaker, more commonly referred to as a funeral director.
The casket containing the body remains at the funeral home if that is where the service will be held. If it is scheduled to take place at a church, it is delivered by the funeral home via a vehicle called a hearse just prior to the funeral. Sometimes, people choose to be cremated. If this is the case, the funeral can be conducted without a body present, or the cremation will occur after services are completed.
Many times the evening before the funeral service, there is an open house of sorts called a visitation, viewing, or wake. This is held so that the immediate family of the deceased can get together and other friends and mourners gather to offer condolences to the family and pay their respects, usually with an open casket where the body can be seen.
An obituary is a notice placed in a newspaper that gives details about the deceased and their surviving family. The time and address for the funeral service and visitation is noted in the obituary. Sometimes, the service is private and is only for immediate family. If this is the case, that part of the obituary can be omitted.
A minister or pastor traditionally conducts the service, regardless if it is held at a funeral home or a church. Scripture from the Bible is read to give hope and encouragement to the mourners in attendance. After the service, if the deceased is to be buried, not cremated, there is a graveside service where family and friends gather at the cemetery where the grave is located, and watch as the body is lowered into the ground. Following the graveside and funeral services, those attending return to the funeral home or church for a brief time of fellowship and remembering of the deceased.
Certain elements of a funeral are expected to take place when a person who is a member of a Christian family passes away. There are traditions that have been part of Christian funerals for centuries. Others have more recently become customary and are now frequently integrated into the services. The most important ethnic traditions in funeral service - Christian family members will want to be sure to include is the reading of scripture.
Services are typically done at a funeral parlor or church. Frequently, the body of the family member who has passed is kept at the funeral home for the time period between their passing and the services. It is cared for and treated by an undertaker, more commonly referred to as a funeral director.
The casket containing the body remains at the funeral home if that is where the service will be held. If it is scheduled to take place at a church, it is delivered by the funeral home via a vehicle called a hearse just prior to the funeral. Sometimes, people choose to be cremated. If this is the case, the funeral can be conducted without a body present, or the cremation will occur after services are completed.
Many times the evening before the funeral service, there is an open house of sorts called a visitation, viewing, or wake. This is held so that the immediate family of the deceased can get together and other friends and mourners gather to offer condolences to the family and pay their respects, usually with an open casket where the body can be seen.
An obituary is a notice placed in a newspaper that gives details about the deceased and their surviving family. The time and address for the funeral service and visitation is noted in the obituary. Sometimes, the service is private and is only for immediate family. If this is the case, that part of the obituary can be omitted.
A minister or pastor traditionally conducts the service, regardless if it is held at a funeral home or a church. Scripture from the Bible is read to give hope and encouragement to the mourners in attendance. After the service, if the deceased is to be buried, not cremated, there is a graveside service where family and friends gather at the cemetery where the grave is located, and watch as the body is lowered into the ground. Following the graveside and funeral services, those attending return to the funeral home or church for a brief time of fellowship and remembering of the deceased.