The wake — or funeral reception — is the gathering that follows the service. It is less formal than the funeral itself, and for many families it is where the real remembering happens: the stories
An obituary and a eulogy are not the same thing, though the two are often confused. A eulogy is the tribute spoken aloud at the funeral service. An obituary is a written notice of someone’s
Hindu funeral rites are among the oldest in continuous practice anywhere in the world. They centre on cremation as the means by which the soul is freed from the body, and on the family’s role
Muslim funerals are guided by Islamic law and carried out with care and speed — burial as soon as possible after death is considered an obligation of the community towards the deceased. The service is
Jewish funerals are guided by principles that have been observed for thousands of years: respect for the body, prompt burial, and communal support for the bereaved. While practices differ between Orthodox, Reform, and Liberal communities,
Planning a funeral for a loved one is a difficult and often upsetting process. However, it can be made slightly more bearable if you and your loved one have pre-planned your funeral beforehand. You never…
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming and knowing who you need to contact can be very confusing. There can be so many things to arrange before a funeral can even take place which, if you…
Not everyone is aware that there are non-Religious funerals and Memorial Services options available. For some families a Humanist, non-religious funeral or memorial ceremony will be the perfect way to remember their loved one. The…
Should funerals be ‘a Celebration of Life’ or more traditional? That is a key question for all of us who have lost someone special. Last week I read a very interesting article by a parish…
