Across cultures, funeral ceremonies have developed from religious beliefs and views on death and the afterlife. Many of these differ from
Jewish funeral traditions. Here are five death rituals from other religions.
1. Buddhist
Buddhists believe that life and death are a part of an ongoing cycle where a person’s life’s actions lead to reincarnation. This cycle can occur multiple times until they attain enlightenment and reach a state of nirvana. The goal of this is to free one’s self of all desires and notion of self.
Many Buddhists meditate before death to create a peaceful state of mind for crossing over. Loved ones may help the dying person reflect on his or her good deeds in this life, and how they may affect their next incarnation.
After death, the Buddhist religion allows for disposal of the body by any of the four elements: earth, fire, air, or water. ‘Sky burials’ are ceremonies where the body is left on a mountain side where nature takes care of the body as an offering to the natural world.
After death has occurred, the body of the deceased shouldn’t be moved in any way because Buddhists believe the soul doesn't leave the body immediately upon death.
Wakes, burials, and cremation are all acceptable in Buddhism and monks may lead them with chanting. An alter is placed near the deceased featuring their picture, a statue or image of Buddha, flowers, fruit, candles, and burning incense. Mourners may reflect and pray at the alter and most prefer to wear white clothing rather than black to symbolize their grief. Memorial services are traditionally held on the third, seventh, forty-ninth, and one-hundredth day after the death.
2. Quakers
Quakers believe that G-d manifests itself as an inner light in every soul. The theme of a Quaker funeral is to be thankful to G-d for the life that has passed and to help mourners feel G-d’s love. A Quaker funeral generally follows the normal worship meeting. Cremation and burial are both accepted by this faith.
After the worship meeting, members will sit in silent meditation but it’s also acceptable for anyone to stand and speak about the deceased. Mourners can deliver prayers, songs, memories, or readings. Because the Quaker funeral follows a customary meeting, a casket or urn will not be present and there is no wake or viewing before the funeral.
The Quaker funeral is a celebration of the life that was lived and with this in mind, Quakers do not wear black as a symbol of mourning.
3. Hindu
Hindus believe that life and death are part of the concept of rebirth. The ultimate goal for many Hindus is to become free from desire and transcend to a state of salvation.
When a Hindu is approaching death, a priest will do final rites and loved ones gather with the dying person where mantras are chanted. When death is near, the body is placed on a grass mat on the floor.
After death, the funeral occurs within 24 hours. A Hindu’s body is cremated, the ashes scattered in sacred water or a sentimental place, and a ceremony held 10 days later to free the deceased’s soul to rise to heaven.
Hindus generally hold a brief wake before cremation. With a man, sandalwood is applied to the forehead and with a woman, turmeric. A garland of flowers is placed around the neck and holy basil set in the casket. During this time, family and friends gather and may recite hymns or mantras. At the end of the wake, mourners often place rice balls near the casket.
Often, Hindu cremations take place on the Ganges River in India. A mourning period follows which lasts thirteen days and a memorial event is held one year after death.
4. Islam
For those who practice Islam, the holy city of Mecca is the focus of prayer and a Muslim will face Mecca in their dying days.
Cremation is forbidden for Muslims and after death, the body is prepared for burial as soon as possible without a viewing. The body is wrapped in sheets and taken to the mosque for the funeral. Prayers are then recited by community members in a prayer room or in the mosque’s courtyard.
At the funeral service, mourners place three handfuls of soil into the grave. Once the grave has been filled, a small stone or marker may be placed at the grave. Traditionally, it is prohibited to place a large monument on the grave or decorate it in an elaborate way.
5. Catholic
Catholics generally believe that death is the passing from this mortal world to the afterlife, where the deceased’s soul will live in Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory.
When a Catholic is dying, a priest attends their bedside to administer special rites and accept any final confessions. Until recent times, the Catholic Church has not supported cremation. However, cremation has become more accepted and if chosen, it’s performed after the funeral mass.
A Vigil, or prayer service, is conducted the evening before the funeral. This can be held as a viewing or a wake where family and friends gather at a family member’s home, funeral home, or in the church to pray and remember the deceased.
The funeral is within a week of death and may be performed in a Catholic church or chapel where a priest leads a special mass. Throughout the service, family and friends often participate as readers or musicians. When the body is finally put to rest, the Rite of Committal takes place at a gravesite or columbarium. Family and friends gather there with a priest or deacon who will bless the burial ground. Mourners often toss a handful of dust or dirt onto the coffin before it’s placed in the ground.
We are a full service provider of funerals for all faiths. Over the years we have directed all kinds of traditional and
non-traditional funerals
and our family of funeral counselors will be happy to discuss all of the options with you. Call us today at 609-344-9004.