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Religion plays a central role in many aspects of life, but especially during significant milestones, such as marriage, the birth of a child, and death. For instance, funeral services are often distinctly religious events among people of all cultures and creeds, although traditions vary between faiths. Below are some of the most common funeral customs for different religions.

How Funeral Customs Vary By Faith

Christianity

Christian funerary customs include prayers, hymns, and readings from the Bible, along with eulogies to remember the departed. A common theme is that, despite the sadness of loss, death can be a time of joy as the departed's soul is finally united with Christ in heaven. Friends and loved ones often send flowers or donate to a worthy cause in the departed's name. During the funeral service, Christian attendees and non-Christians alike are encouraged to take part in the singing and praying. Dress is typically formal, and dark colors are customary. Bodies may be buried, often in consecrated ground, or cremated. In the Catholic tradition, many funerals include the Eucharist, in which parishioners commemorate Jesus' Last Supper by approaching the altar to accept bread and wine. 

Islam

Islamic funeral customs are dictated by sharia law, which requires burial as quickly as possible — often within 24 hours of death. Cremation is strictly forbidden. Except in cases of mutilation or trauma, immediate family members of the deceased will collectively bathe and enshroud the body in white cotton or linen cloth. Friends, family, and other members of the community then gather to join in collective prayer to Allah to ask forgiveness for the departed's sins. Dress is typically formal. Burial customs vary by region.

Judaism

funeral service in Canton, GAAs with Islam, before the funeral, the body is ritually cleaned and enshrouded. Watchers remain with the body around-the-clock until the service. It’s customary for funerals to be simple affairs, as ostentation might embarrass the poor. Funeral services are usually held within 24 hours after death, and neither open caskets nor cremation is customary. The rabbi opens the service by cutting a black ribbon to symbolize breaking away from the world. They then lead the service, recite a eulogy, and a minyan of 10 or more Jewish adults recites prayers.

Hinduism

Hindu custom demands a body remains at home until it’s cremated, normally within 24 hours of death. Mourners gather to sing hymns and chant mantras. The casket is usually open and worshipers may present offerings to the gods. Dress is casual, although attendees are expected to wear white. Guests of other faiths are welcome to participate in all aspects, but are not required to. After the cremation, the survivors scatter the ashes, typically over a body of water. Ten days later, a liberation ceremony takes place at the deceased's home, and guests are asked to bring gifts of fruit.

 


To arrange a funeral service for a loved one or to make funeral pre-arrangements for yourself, contact Sosebee Funeral Home in Canton, GA. They’ve been serving Cherokee County since 1940, offering compassionate, dignified care for families in their time of need. In addition to funeral services, they can help you arrange a burial or cremation. Visit their website to view location details or call (770) 479-2131 to speak with a compassionate funeral director today.

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