Funeral services are ceremonies that many cultures of the world hold to celebrate the life of a loved one that has been lost to death. Customs, rituals, and prayers that are attached to the honoring of the dead vary from land to land. Many create monuments, memorials, or shrines to those that have been taken by death.

One such practice common in the United States and Canada is that a clergyman is called on to officiate at the funeral ceremony. He often gives a sermon involving comforting passages from religious texts, prayers, and speaks of the deceased and their life and accomplishments. Once that part of the ritual has been completed then there may be a procession out to the grave site where a shorter ceremony takes place.

Another practice that is unique to one part of the United States is the New Orleans Jazz Funeral. A procession begins at the site of the memorial service and concludes at the site of burial. It consists of a jazz band, family members and friends of the deceased. The music that plays are sad and somber dirges. After the final ceremony at the graveside the procession continues on to a gathering place. During that particular march the music is replaced by music that one can dance to while waving hats and umbrellas in order to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Yet another practice is one that suits the preferences of those who are environmentally conscious. It is called a green funeral. This allows those that have concerns about how traditional burial practices impact the environment can opt to have their remains buried in a way more in line with their beliefs. For example they may choose to be buried in a shroud or coffin that is biodegradable. Their chosen burial place may be in a parkland where they have a tree planted on their grave as a memorial.

Some funeral homes or chapels offer the option of an internet visitation and funeral service. Friends, family, and others who otherwise would be unable to attend can do so via a web cam and computer set up connected to the internet. Thus the support network for those left behind by the deceased can be connected regardless of weather, distance, or circumstance.

The final disposition of the dead is as varied as the funeral rites. For example in many lands the remains were placed in an individual tomb, a family crypt, or burial plot. In some places burials are impractical for the simple reason that ground water is too high. Thus the remains have to be placed in an above ground tomb. Some of the more prominent and wealthy families have special buildings called mausoleums and are usually very grand in appearance.

A burial at sea has often been performed when an individual has died aboard a naval ship of a seafaring country. The remains are wrapped and weighed to ensure it sinks into the ocean when it is dropped overboard. In many religions special services were created in order to cover this kind of occurrence.

Funeral services and practices are quite varied. In fact the types of rituals practiced are as numerous as there are cultures, countries, and peoples throughout the earth. Thus a memorial built for a loved one can take any form one desires.

Author Bio: Losing a loved one is difficult; it is a time of mourning and having to plan a funeral is emotionally staining. Though, with the appropriate resources this pain can be eased a little allowing for families and friends to come together in this time of pain.

Category: Death
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