Funeral Service
us funeral customs The funeral service is usually held between 3 to 5 days following the death. The service is usually officiated by clergy and can take place in either a church or funeral home. If the service is to be held at church, the deceased is transported from the funeral home to the church in a hearse, which is part of the funeral procession. During the service, prayers, readings from the Bible or other sacred texts, hymns and songs, and words of comfort and a eulogy are given. The customs and traditions will dictate the type of music, if any, is played during the service. Near the end of the funeral service, like with the wake, guests, family and spouses are invited to view the deceased. Once the funeral service has ended, the burial will follow
Burial Service
us funeral
U.S. Death and Funeral Customs
A burial service is considered the final part of many US and Canadian traditions. It is the final moment to say a final farewell before laying the body of the deceased to rest. It typically takes place at the grave site, tomb, mausoleum or crematorium if the body will undergo cremation.
In many instances, the burial service will immediately follow the funeral service. The funeral procession will travel from the site of the memorial service to the burial site. If the deceased served in the Armed forces, military rites will often be accorded at the burial site.
According to most religions, the casket remains closed during the burial ceremony. A final prayer may be said and the deceased is placed into the burial area or prepared for cremation. Morticians will typically ensure that all jewelry worn by the deceased are in the casket before it is buried or entombed. If the body is to be cremated, these items may remain or be removed prior to the process. Any pacemakers must be removed prior to cremation as they could explode and cause damage to the crematorium.
In many traditions, a meal or other gathering follows the burial service. This gathering may be held at a church or in the home of the deceased or other family member.