What is a Funeral?

All we need to do is say the word "funeral" and within microseconds, you have an image in your mind of what a funeral looks like. This mental image comes from many sources: the geographical place, culture and society in which we live; our faith; our life experience. Obviously then, a funeral service in Borneo would look very different from one held in Tanzania; there are even significant differences between the funerals held in ethnically and/or geographically diverse regions of North America.

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.

What Makes a Funeral?

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.

Traditional Funerals Services

Families want to choose the end-of-life ceremonies that suits them best. This is because every family has different needs, values, and beliefs. Some families may choose traditional funeral services; others may prefer something less formal with a more casual and social approach. Traditional funerals are ceremonial in which the family and friends of the deceased mourn the passing of their loved one. Decisions on funeral arrangements often depend on costs, religious and cultural traditions, and/or personal preferences. These factors help families decide between traditional funerals and memorial services or life celebrations.

Understanding the Parts of a Funeral Service

Some people often avoid accepting a loved one's passing after losing the individual. This is an attempt to escape from the pain caused by grief. Some family and friends of the deceased may mistakenly believe that not attending a funeral will protect them from additional pain. Traditional funerals are not just ceremonies that honor the dead. They are also essential in allowing the family to begin the process of healing. Traditional funerals are crucial in recounting the memories of the deceased, establishing who they were and what they meant to their loved ones. After attending a traditional funeral, the family may have friends, colleagues, and distant relatives gather to share stories about the deceased. These stories will usually be shared at the reception. They can bring great comfort to the family and friends of the deceased. 

A funeral service, whether traditional or more modern (memorial service or celebration-of-life), has two functions: to acknowledge the death and lifetime achievements of an individual and to bring grieving family members and friends together in support of one another during this difficult time.

If you are interested in making funeral arrangements for a loved one, we invite you to call us to begin.
Traditional Funeral Family Graveside
Traditional Funeral Family Grieving
Traditional Funeral Family Gathered Around Casket
Traditional Funeral Family at a Funeral Reception

Our Funeral Services in Orange County, NY 

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.
Source:
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