Religious Traditions - What To Know
Religions and factions each are filled with traditions. Below is a guide to some of the basics.
When it comes to the end of life, each faith and individual approaches funerals and the aftermath of death in its unique way. MyCondolences breaks down some of the traditions people of different religions in the US handle these important rituals.
Christianity is the largest religion in the United States, encompassing numerous denominations, each with its customs related to funerals and death. Funeral services usually occur in the church so friends and family have a chance to mourn and pray for their loved one. There is a focus on the afterlife and heaven reflecting on faith and mortality. There are several denominations of Christianity each with their own variations on the traditions.
Many branches of Christianity hold a wake after someone passes away. This takes place before the funeral and can be held at the church, the funeral home, or the family’s home. It’s less formal than the funeral ceremony, giving friends and family a chance to chat with and support one another. Food is often served. There are prayers, readings, and eulogies as well.
It is possible the body of the person who has passed is present at the ceremony, in a casket. If cremation was selected, an urn will be present. A range of prayers, hymns, and sermons is led by the pastor with congregation joining in hymns.
Friends and family may share readings and speeches during the ceremony. At a traditional Catholic ceremony, the priest will deliver the sermons and readings. A burial or cremation ceremony follows the funeral service. The pastor says a few words at the burial or cremation site as people gather to watch the casket being lowered into the ground or sent for cremation.
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Guests wear black, navy, or brown dressed modestly covering shoulders and knees. The church service at a Christian funeral lasts around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Often the burial or cremation will take place directly after, and this can be followed by a reception where guests share food and drink together.
Christianity, including Baptist, Lutheran, and Methodist allow cremation. Presbyterians do not.
In Catholicism, cremation traditionally hasn’t been allowed, as Catholics believe that the body will be resurrected on judgment day. However, cremation is now permitted in Catholicism, as long as the ashes are kept together at a dedicated memorial site.Common practices include:
Many Christian denominations prefer traditional burials. However, some may opt for cremation, provided it aligns with their beliefs.
Judaism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions, has distinct customs related to death and mourning. The Torah, which is a compilation of 5 books that make up the Hebrew bible, outlines instructions for bereavement, which includes information regarding everything from the memorial service to the burial process. A Jewish funeral typically takes place within 24 hours of death. IHowever, there are exceptions to this timeframe. For example, funerals are not held on most Jewish holidays or Sabbath. And in other cases, the service may be delayed so there is enough time for mourners to arrive or for an autopsy to occur. t involves a eulogy, prayers, and the burial of the deceased in a simple wooden casket. Embalming and cremation are generally avoided.The funeral takes place in a synagogue, funeral home, or graveside.
Shemira is another Jewish burial tradition where a close friend or family member takes watch over the casket until the funeral service to guard the casket and provide comfort to the deceased while reciting passages.
Immediately following, the family will sit shiva, a seven-day mourning period. Traditionally, the family will not leave the house or engage in routine activities, such as bathing, cooking, or working. Close friends and family will visit the home during this time, offering their comfort often. It is common to cover mirrors. Do not bring flowers to the home of the mourners as this is a reminder of how fragile life is.
The memorial service is short and simple, usually lasting only 20 minutes or so. During a Jewish burial service, there is no wake or public viewing as the casket remains closed.
The Rabbi will tear or keriah a black ribbon or garment to express grief and symbolize the loss of life. As part of this ritual, mourners will place this black fabric on their clothing for the first seven days of mourning.
At the graveside, everyone will have an opportunity to shovel dirt into the grave. This final act of honoring the deceased encourages closure for the friends and family. Men typically will wear a tie and suit along with a kippah (a traditional skullcap) which will be provided on their heads. Women dress in conservative attire with more muted colors like black, gray, and brown.
Annually, Jews light a memorial candle on the anniversary of the death, and Kaddish (a prayer for the deceased) is recited in the synagogue called Yahrzeit.
Islam is practiced by a significant number of people in the US, and its funeral and mourning customs are rooted in Islamic traditions:
a. Islamic Funeral: Muslims typically bury their dead as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. The body is ritually washed, wrapped in a white shroud, and placed in a simple casket. Cremation is strictly forbidden.
b. Salat al-Janazah: A congregational prayer for the deceased is performed at the mosque or an open area. Muslims often recite Quranic verses and offer supplications.
c. Mourning Period: Mourning in Islam is relatively short, usually three days. Families may receive condolences, and communal support is essential during this time.
Buddhism is practiced by a diverse group in the US, and its approach to death and funerals varies:
a. Buddhist Funeral: Buddhist funerals may involve chanting by monks, meditation, and a focus on the impermanence of life. Cremation is common, and the ashes are often placed in an urn or a stupa.
b. Mourning Practices: Buddhists believe in honoring the deceased through good deeds and prayers. Memorial services are held on important dates in the deceased person's life.
Hinduism is practiced by a growing community in the US, and its funeral traditions are deeply rooted in religious customs:
a. Hindu Funeral: Hindu funerals include rituals such as cremation, where the body is placed on a pyre and cremated. The ashes are often immersed in a sacred river.
b. Mourning Period: Mourning in Hinduism can last for varying periods, depending on regional and family customs. Families may hold memorial services and offer prayers for the deceased.