Funeral Traditions and Customs

Throughout history, different cultures have participated in some of the strangest funeral traditions and luckily, most have been replaced with more modern-day funeral practices. Culture, religion, and personal preferences all combine to create unique goodbyes for loved ones. Looking at the five major religions of the world and understanding their funeral traditions is an important part of learning how to honor the deceased in different cultures.

Here are the five major religions and how they shape funerals.

• Islam
• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Judaism
• Christianity

Muslim Funeral Customs

Muslims follow Islamic teachings and believe death is not the end, but merely a transition to the next life. Faithful Muslims believe that living a good life on earth and following the teachings of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, are the requirements for entering Paradise. One important Muslim funeral custom is that the burial takes place as quickly as possible after death so there is no viewing or wake. Open caskets are rare, and the body is transported to a mosque immediately.

In respect to Muslim funeral customs, the body of the deceased is positioned to face Mecca, Islam’s holy city. An Imam, or Muslim religious leader, leads prayers and presides over the funeral, and although all are welcome at the service, in some communities only men attend the burial. Cremation is forbidden because according to the Islamic faith, a physical resurrection following the final judgment will take place.

Following the funeral service, guests may congregate at the home of the grieving family to share a meal and offer condolences and support. The mourning period is 40 days and flowers and food are appreciated condolence gifts.

Hindu Funeral Customs

Hindus believe that although the physical body dies, the soul is eternal, having no beginning and no end. One’s actions in life determine one’s karma and whether the soul passes to another incarnation or becomes one with Brahman. A Hindu funeral typically has three parts – a wake or funeral in the family home, a cremation ceremony (mukhagni), and a funeral ceremony (shraddha).

The body of a Hindu remains at home in an open casket until it is cremated since a wake or funeral takes place within one day of death. A funeral service is held in the home, and guests dress informally, with white attire preferred. (Black clothing is considered inappropriate for a Hindu funeral.) Flowers are an appropriate sympathy gift at a Hindu funeral, but they must be sent ahead of time. Bringing food is not customary, and cameras and recording devices are not allowed. Cremation typically takes place within 24 hours after death.

The shraddha takes place ten days after the body is cremated. The purpose of this ritual is to release the soul for its ascent into heaven. It is customary for guests to bring fruit to this service.