Online Funeral Resources » Etiquette

Prayer and Funerals

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:18:22 +0000

We say prayers for the family that they will heal from their loss. We pray for the soul of the deceased, and we ask God’s mercy. Not everyone sings hymns at a funeral, but if the funeral is held in a church we often sing the favorite hymns of the person who died. Many times the deceased have made the selections ahead of time. The practical use of doing something together when someone close to you has passed away is that it helps you to support each other and get through the grieving process. Endorphins are released when singing, which is also helpful. This is the true, and maybe sometimes unconscious, reason. The religious answer might be to help the deceased’s soul through Purgatory, if you’re Catholic, or to beseech God to have mercy on his or her soul. This aspect is of course not true, as it’s based on myth, but it still helps the survivors through the grieving process. Hymns and prayers are said to remind and encourage the survivors that they can one day be re-united with the deceased. It is a reflection on our beliefs about God and the part death plays in life.

All actions at a funeral are to help the living come to closure with their feelings about and with the passed person. Often this is not the final moment in closure.

There is a history of a (mourning period) where duration in many cultures ranges from days to a closure point defined by an elder

What do you wear to a Jewish funeral?

admin — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:03:36 +0000

Usually at Jewish funerals, they are not to mourn, but to be joyful. I am sure though that you will see people mourning with pain

Wear black, as you may have guessed. Long sleeves and long skirt preferably, but it depends on how observant the ceremony will be. If it is Reform you can get away with short sleeves but stay away from sleeveless. It is a good idea to not wear anything that shows your legs at all. Any religious event both girls and boys are asked to cover their heads. You will not need to supply your own head covering. If they expect you to cover your head they will have little lace for the girls and a yamicha, or keepah, for the boys.

If the family is really traditional they may separate the men and women so be observant and try to notice what everyone else is doing. You may find this to be an interesting learning experience. The Jewish religion is filled with ancient traditions.

For a woman, you should be modest dressed. Wear a long skirt to the ankles and a blouse that is not low-cut. Just dress decent. Most of the Jewish women who are religious do wear a head covering or a scarf if you are married. Do not dress like you are going to some party or night club, use common sense of being respectful.

What is appropriate to wear to a funeral?

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:45:27 +0000

What do you wear to a funeral?

What is appropriate?

A lot can depend upon the religious beliefs of the family of the deceased. If the family is the typical Anglo-Saxon protestant or Catholic, then a dark color is the right choice. Other cultures and religions view death differently. Some non-religious people choose to celebrate life instead of death, making bright cheerful colors more appropriate. Learn a bit about the family’s culture and religion and choose accordingly to be respectful

Unless the funeral notice states “wear bright colors” or similar, dark business type clothing is most appropriate. Shorts, flip flops, tank tops etc., no. Some people feel black is more appropriate for family and very close friends, but that’s my quirk . Neat, pressed slacks or skirt, plain top or shirt, possibly a jacket or neat cardigan or sweater, nice shoes. You’re not dressing for a party