Traditional Funeral Services

What is a Funeral?

Depending on factors such as geographic location, culture, or religious/spiritual beliefs, we all have our own idea of what a traditional funeral service entails. These factors create noticeable differences between one funeral service and another.

Yet, despite the differences, these funeral services have much in common. We invite you to read further to learn the really simple answer to the question "what is a funeral?" Should you have questions about what you read here, we encourage you to call us. One of our funeral professionals will be delighted to explore the commonalities behind the wide spectrum of funeral ceremonies seen around the world.

How Do Funerals Work?

No matter where it's held, a funeral is a structured ceremony, with a beginning, middle and end. Each is intended to engage the living participants in activities which will transform their status within the community, provide mourners with a collective grieving experience, and celebrate a life lived. It's a socially-acceptable way for members of a community to re-affirm and express their social attachments.

Anthropologists label a funeral as a rite of passage , which affects everyone involved—including the deceased. His or her social status changes dramatically, from a living contributing member of the community to one whose contributions are in the past, and relegated to memory. But the status of each of the survivors—the immediate family most especially—has also changed. In fact, the funeral service can be the start of a defined period of mourning for bereaved family members, marking this transition in a uniquely identifiable way.

It could be said then, the focus of a funeral—no matter where, no matter when—lies in acknowledging change. And without doubt, human beings (as individuals and as a community) have trouble dealing with profound changes like the death of an integral member of the group. When you take this perspective, it becomes easier to understand the importance of ceremonially acknowledging the tear in the social fabric and the symbolic restoration of its integrity.

Funeral Services in Our Area

For families and individuals living in this region (as elsewhere in the nation), a funeral service can mean many things. Some fall back on what is commonly called a "traditional funeral"; others see that same traditional service as an emotionally unfulfilling event. Fortunately, thanks to a number of unique social forces, there are alternatives. Today, end-of-life commemorative services range from the traditional funeral , to a memorial service and the increasingly popular celebrations-of-life . If you have yet to realize the immense value of such a collective acknowledgement of loss, reach out to us. Call to speak with one of our experienced funeral service professionals.

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Pre-Plan a Funeral Here

The Basics of Traditional Funeral Services

Funeral services are meant to acknowledge the passing of an individual, highlight their life achievements, and bring their loved ones together in support of one another as they mourn.

If you need to make funeral arrangements for a loved one, we invite you to call us to begin.

Visitation

Often referred to as a wake or viewing, the visitation occurs before the funeral. Guests come to pay their respects to the grieving family and view the casketed body.
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Funeral Service

The funeral service commonly takes place at the funeral home, a church, or at the graveside. It can include music, the reading of literary or religious passages, a eulogy, prayer, and the singing of hymns.
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Committal Service

If burial is chosen by the family, this stage involves a vehicle procession to the cemetery.
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Funeral Reception

Many choose to host this post-service gathering (or repast) at a reception hall. This is considered a time to share memories, laughter, and support.
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Looking to Plan a Funeral Service?

When the time comes to plan end-of-life services, it is very important to work with an experienced funeral director and caring funeral home staff. Whether you are in immediate need of funeral services or you are looking to pre-plan your own funeral, we are here to help. If you are ready to pre-plan your own funeral virtually, visit our pre-arrange online page.

If you have further questions, feel free browse our FAQ or give us a call at anytime. We are more than happy to guide you through the funeral process and answer any questions you may have.

Sources:

Rostad, Curtis, "The Basics of Funeral Service", Indiana Funeral Directors Association, 2014

Huntington, Richard and Peter Metcalf, Celebrations of Death: The Anthropology of Mortuary Ritual, Cambridge University Press, 1979