Wednesday, 4 November 2009

Funerals of the 21st Century

By Laurence M. Samuel

In the 21st Century, funeral traditions are much different than they were two or three generations ago. One of the primary things that has changed is that funerals are more expensive and more elaborate. Two generations ago, funerals were expected to be universally somber affairs. Now many people regard them as a celebration of the deceased's life, rather than mourning their loss.

The cost of a funeral can be as different as night and day. You can purchase the most costly of caskets and spend thousands of dollars on flowers and other details; or you can be very frugal and go with just the necessities.

You can go with a viewing in the funeral home, and a complete service in the church of your choice, or just have a memorial service at the funeral home. It can include just family, or family and friends. The decision is up to you and your family what you want. Again the commitment in the cemetery can be very personal or very public.

Music is included in most funerals, regardless of where they are held. Many times, the deceased's family or friends provide it. With music's ability to move our emotions, it is usually a very important part of the funeral.

Some people try to plan their own funeral arrangements prior to death as a way to ensure that they have the service they would want. This may sound like trying to control things from the grave, but it can definitely lift some of the burden off the family.

A funeral home must exercise all of its tact and compassion when handling the funeral of a child. Funerals such as these are especially trying for the family.

Speeches about the deceased's life by family or friends are now also a common part of many funerals. These speeches can be a part of the healing process for those who knew the deceased well, and help those who did not know them well understand them better.

Finally, one of the most major changes has been to how people dress. In the past wearing any color but black was very taboo. Now bright colors are acceptable because they underscore the change in attitude about the funeral's meaning - from sorrow over death to celebrating life.

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