At the time of a loved one’s passing, religious beliefs and customs can provide much-needed comfort and perspective. Different religions have traditions and various practices for funeral services and memorializing the passing of a loved one. Below is a closer look at the traditional funeral services of a few religions.

1. Hinduism

Hindu funerals are typically held as quickly as possible after the death, preferably at dusk or dawn. A ritual washing of the body will be performed, after which a wake will be held to display the body. Following the wake, the body will be cremated. It is a Hindu tradition for the ashes to be spread in the Ganges River if it is possible. A 13-day mourning period follows the funeral.

2. Judaism

It is customary in the Jewish religion for the burial to take place within 24 hours of the death. Embalming, cremation, and open-casket funerals are not typically permitted. The mourning period is subsequently divided into two periods. Shiva occurs during the first seven days after the death, in which a shiva candle is lit, and family members gather each day to pray and mourn at their home. The shloshim period then extends until the thirtieth day after the funeral. After, mourners return to work and other activities but recite a special prayer each day.

3. Islam

Islamic law requires the body of the deceased to be buried within 24 hours of death. Cremation and embalmment are forbidden, and the body is washed and shrouded before burial. Traditionally, only men can be present for the actual burial, and the loved one should be buried with their head facing Mecca, a holy city in Saudi Arabia. After the burial, the family enters a mourning period of 40 days.

Regardless of the type of funeral services your family has in mind, you can count on Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Inc. Funeral Home to provide caring and compassionate support. Serving the Middletown, NY, area for over 100 years, this funeral home provides cremation services, funeral pre-planning, and veteran services. To learn more about how they can help you memorialize your loved one, visit them online or call (845) 343-2142.