When a member of a Christian family dies, there are some elements that are expected to occur at their funeral service. Some traditions have been part of Christian funerals for many years. Some are more recently popular and are more frequently becoming part of the service. The most common ethnic traditions in funeral service - Christian family members will want included is the reading of scripture.
Services are usually held at a church or at a funeral home. Often times, the body of the deceased family member is at the funeral home for several days prior to the funeral service. It is taken care of by the undertaker, or funeral director, and prepared for burial.
The body is then placed in a casket and kept at the home if that is where the funeral will take place. If the service is to take place at a church, it is held at the home until just before the funeral, and taken to the church in a type of automobile called a hearse. If the body is going to be cremated, the service can be conducted without the body present, or the cremation can take place after the service is over.
There is typically an open house called a viewing, wake, or visitation the night before the funeral. These take place so that loved ones of the deceased can gather and offer condolences. The casket containing the body is also present, and attendees are able to view it and say their final farewells.
An obituary is a notice placed in a newspaper that gives details about the deceased and their surviving family. The time and address for the funeral service and visitation is noted in the obituary. Sometimes, the service is private and is only for immediate family. If this is the case, that part of the obituary can be omitted.
A minister or pastor traditionally conducts the service, regardless if it is held at a funeral home or a church. Scripture from the Bible is read to give hope and encouragement to the mourners in attendance. After the service, if the deceased is to be buried, not cremated, there is a graveside service where family and friends gather at the cemetery where the grave is located, and watch as the body is lowered into the ground. Following the graveside and funeral services, those attending return to the funeral home or church for a brief time of fellowship and remembering of the deceased.
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