What is a Funeral?

The word "funeral" invokes an immediate mental image shaped by various factors such as geographical location, culture, society, faith, and personal life experiences. This diversity means that a funeral service in Borneo would differ significantly from one in Tanzania, and even within ethnically and geographically diverse regions of North America, distinctions exist.

Despite these differences, there are common threads that tie these funeral services together. To discover the simple answer to the question "what is a funeral?" and to gain insights into the shared elements across diverse ceremonies worldwide, we invite you to explore further. If you have any questions or seek clarification about what you read, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team of funeral professionals is eager to discuss the commonalities that underpin the rich spectrum of funeral ceremonies observed globally.

Anthropologists classify funerals as rites of passage, affecting everyone involved, including the deceased. The social status of the deceased undergoes a significant change—from a living, contributing member of the community to someone whose contributions now reside in the past and are remembered. Simultaneously, the status of the surviving individuals, especially the immediate family, also undergoes a profound transformation. The funeral service often marks the beginning of a defined period of mourning, symbolizing this transition in a distinct and recognizable manner.

In essence, the focal point of a funeral, regardless of its location or timing, is to acknowledge change. Human beings, both as individuals and as a community, struggle to cope with profound changes, such as the death of an integral member of the group. From this perspective, the significance of ceremonially acknowledging the rupture in the social fabric and symbolically restoring its integrity becomes clearer. Funerals play a crucial role in this process, helping individuals and communities navigate the challenging journey of accepting and adapting to profound loss.

For families and individuals living in this region (as elsewhere in the nation), a funeral service can mean many things. Some fall back on what is commonly called a "traditional funeral"; others see that same traditional service as an emotionally unfulfilling event. Fortunately, thanks to a number of unique social forces, there are alternatives. Today, end-of-life commemorative services range from the traditional funeral, to a memorial service and the increasingly popular celebrations-of-life. If you have yet to realize the immense value of such a collective acknowledgement of loss, reach out to us. Call to speak with one of our experienced funeral service professionals.