The funeral service is an integral part in the whole process of grieving for the loss of a loved one. It is an essential process, especially for those who are left behind. When you look at history, funerals have always been regarded as a sacred rite for all cultures and religions.
A typical ritual for a deceased person is usually composed of the visitation, the memorial service, and the burial service. The visitation and memorial service is typically done in a funeral home, while the burial is done in a cemetery or columbarium.
These days, there are professionals who take care of the range of services typically included in the passing away of a person. Whether the deceased prefers a burial or cremation, many things still have to be prepared and arranged.
Prior to the discovery of the science of embalming and the emergence of mortuaries, families took care of their dead. The deceased is typically dressed and arranged by loved ones and the body placed in a homemade coffin. It will then be displayed in the parlor of the family home for neighbors and friends to pay their final respects. The burial typically takes place in the family plot. It is not until the mid-1800s that the emergence of professional services took place. Embalming has become an accepted practice, and burial plots have moved to park-like settings.
People prefer different types of burial services, and it is important to take these preferences into consideration. Pre-planning is the best way to make sure that a person’s wishes for final rites will be carried forth. In general terms, a funeral service refers to a gathering of family and friends with the goal of honoring and celebrating the departed, allow people to pay their respects and say their final farewell, and let friends offer words of consolation and support to the family and loved ones of the deceased. During this time, a casket or urn is placed in the room, containing the body or ashes of the deceased.
The visitation or viewing, also called the wake, is held for one to two days as a way for family members, friends, acquaintances and associates to pay their respects and offer consolation to the loved ones. In this setting, depending on the wishes of the deceased or family members, the body is placed in a coffin. The departed is usually dressed in their best clothes, and the body may or may not be embalmed, depending on religious practices or personal preferences.
There is usually a book that visitors can sign to record those who attended. Thank you cards are usually sent to these visitors. Family members usually display photographs and other memorabilia that shows the person’s life accomplishments or hobbies. Flowers are usually brought in to adorn the room.
The memorial service is often performed by a religious representative, depending on the deceased’s background. The service can take place either in the funeral home, the church, or the cemetery chapel. A special prayer and blessings are offered during this time. In Roman Catholic rites, the casket is closed and the priest blesses it. During this time, the family or close friends often relate their best memories and honors the deceased, also called a eulogy. If it is an open casket service, mourners will have the chance to view the body one last time. The immediate family takes precedence over everyone else.
The casket is usually covered with flowers, or if the deceased served in the military, it will be covered with the flag of the country that he or she served in. Specially designated pallbearers, usually the closest members of the family, are given the honor to carry the coffin.
If the body will be buried, there is typically a need for the casket to be transported from the place of the memorial service to the cemetery. A special form of vehicle called the hearse is often used to transport the remains. If the deceased will be cremated, the body will then be brought to the crematorium. Final burial rites may be conducted on the graveside, tomb or crematorium.
Some families invite those who attended the burial service to partake of meals or refreshments. A special hall in the funeral parlor or the family home may be dedicated for this purpose.
Looking at the entire process of burial services, there are so many elements to think about. A family, who has just lost someone, who are in grief and mourning, will really benefit from the services of a funeral home. Some of the best in the country offer what they call a complete service – from embalming, visitation and viewing service to the hearse, gratuity to the minister or priest, register books, thank you cards, and video recording. Visit here Gentry Griffey you can get more information about Funeral Service. There are many other details and specifications that they offer, according to the family’s preferences.