Honoring the deceased is a cultural tradition that has been established since well before written history. But many of the modern practices found within funeral services today can be attributed to important developments over the last 300 years. To better illustrate how this experience has evolved, here’s a brief look at key moments in America’s funeral planning history that helped drive the industry forward.

A Historical Timeline of Funeral Services in America

The Family’s Responsibility

From the early settler days to the 1800s, funeral services were mostly the responsibility of the deceased’s family. Typically, the family would construct a casket for the individual and members of the community would help prepare the body for burial.

Wealthier homes tended to host these events in the parlor room where they would dispose of the casket through what’s known as a “death door.” Since it was seen as inappropriate to carry the deceased through the main entryway, this small passage was used to respectfully move the casket to the outside.

The Emergence of Embalming

The Civil War caused many American soldiers to pass away far from home, making it challenging for families to lay them to rest. At this point, embalming became more prevalent, as it gave families more time to transport the deceased back to their homes.

Military cemeteries also became more common during this period. This shift helped the public embrace “park burials” in cemeteries instead of having burials on small lots located at private residences or churches.

A Formal Beginning for Funeral Directors

The expansion of embalming practices created a new need for professionals to handle the process of caring for the deceased. To meet this demand, the National Funeral Directors Association was formed in 1882 to help standardize the experience for many Americans. From this point forward, funeral directors gained respect as those who could assist with all every aspect of services.

New Alternatives for Aftercare  

In the past century, manufacturing improvements have led to the production of many styles of aftercare products, such as highly decorative caskets and cremation urns. These new options made it possible for families to add more personal touches to funeral services.

In recent years, this personalization has continued to evolve with the introduction of innovative practices, such as turning cremated remains into keepsake jewelry or using green burials to reconnect the deceased with the environment.

Despite all the changes in funeral planning over the years, paying respects to loved ones who have passed remains a major part of life. That’s why our team at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home offers compassionate support to Trumbull, CT, families who are in need of thoughtful funeral planning services. Well-versed in every aspect of the planning process, our directors will arrange memorable services that respectfully honor your family member and provide a comfortable atmosphere for grieving. For more details on our services, visit us online or call us at (203) 373-1013.