What to Expect at a Burial
Attending a burial for the first time can feel daunting, especially when faced with unfamiliar traditions or cultural practices. This article covers what you can typically expect at various kinds of burials.
What types of burials exist?
There are several types of burials, each with its unique characteristics and practices. Here's an overview of the common types you can expect:
Traditional burials
Definition: Traditional burials represent a longstanding and widely practiced way of laying a loved one to rest, often adhering to cultural and religious customs.
Key features
- Ceremonial practices: Traditional burials encompass established funeral ceremonies, including viewings, prayers, eulogies, and a procession to the burial site.
- Casket interment: The deceased is typically placed in a casket, which is then lowered into the ground in a designated burial plot.
- Cemetery burials: Traditional burials often occur in cemeteries, where the deceased is laid to rest alongside other memorials, creating a space for remembrance.
- Headstones and markers: Grave markers, such as headstones, are commonly used to memorialize the departed and provide a lasting tribute for future generations.
- Family and community participation: Family and friends often play active roles in traditional burials, participating in rituals and commemorating the life of the deceased through shared customs.
Green/Natural/Eco/burials
Definition: Green burials, also known as eco-friendly or natural burials, are environmentally conscious alternatives to traditional burials.
Key features
- Biodegradable materials: The body is placed in a biodegradable casket or shroud, allowing it to decompose naturally.
- Minimal environmental impact: The goal is to minimize the use of non-biodegradable materials, chemicals, and energy.
- Natural landscapes: Green cemeteries are often burial grounds that are designed to blend with natural landscapes, promoting conservation and biodiversity.
Human composting burials
Definition: Human composting, or natural organic reduction, represents an innovative and eco-friendly approach to laying the deceased to rest.
Key features
- Microbial decomposition: The body is placed in a vessel with organic materials, facilitating decomposition through the activity of microbes.
- Sustainable process: Human composting is designed to be environmentally sustainable, minimizing the ecological impact associated with traditional burials or cremation.
- Nutrient-rich soil: The end result of the process is nutrient-rich soil, allowing the remains to contribute to the growth of plants and vegetation.
- Alternative to conventional burials: Human composting offers a unique alternative to traditional burial practices, aligning with a growing interest in environmentally conscious end-of-life options.
- Respectful return to nature: Advocates of human composting emphasize its ability to facilitate a respectful return of the body to nature, fostering a sense of ecological harmony.
Urn burials
Definition: Urn burials involve the interment of cremated remains (ashes) in a designated burial space.
Key features
- Cremation as a preceding process: The body is cremated, and the ashes are placed in an urn before burial. This is typically important in that if a cremation has taken place, there likely won’t be a viewing of the body beforehand.
- Various locations: Urn burials can occur in traditional cemeteries, columbariums, or even in natural settings, depending on local regulations.
Burials at sea
Definition: Burials at sea involve the interment of a deceased person's remains in the ocean. This practice can be chosen for various reasons, including a connection to the sea or a maritime profession.
Key features
- Going out to sea: Burials at sea require that you head out to sea on a boat! If you’ve never been on one or are worried about going out to sea, it can help to bring some anti-nausea medication and to let folks know if you’re concerned.
- Cremated or whole body: Remains can be cremated, and ashes scattered, or the whole body can be placed in a weighted casket designed to sink rapidly.
These burial options may have varying levels of acceptance and availability depending on cultural, religious, and regional factors.
Religious considerations
Religious burial ceremonies can vary significantly based on the traditions and beliefs of each faith. Here's an overview of some key differences between Islamic, Jewish, and Christian burials:
Islamic burials
Timing: In Islam, it is customary to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, preferably within 24 hours.
Rituals
- Ghusl: The body is ritually washed, and the deceased is wrapped in a simple white shroud (kafan).
- Janazah prayer: A special funeral prayer is performed by the Muslim community.
- Facing Mecca: The deceased is buried facing the Kaaba in Mecca, and the body is placed directly in the ground without a casket.
- Mourning period: There is typically a three-day mourning period, during which the family receives condolences.
Jewish burials
Timing: Similar to Islamic traditions, Jewish burials usually occur as soon as possible after death.
Rituals
- Tahara: The body is ritually washed and dressed in a simple white shroud (tachrichim).
- Casket use: Jewish tradition often involves using a plain wooden casket, and the deceased is buried without embalming.
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Shiva: A mourning period of seven days follows the burial, during which close family members stay at home, and others visit to offer condolences.
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Christian burials
Timing: Christian burials typically occur within a few days of death, allowing time for family and friends to gather.
Rituals
- Embalming: Embalming is commonly practiced to preserve the body for viewing during a wake or visitation.
- Funeral service: A religious service is held, often in a church, with prayers, hymns or songs, and eulogies.
- Mourning period: There may not be a specified mourning period, but memorial services and gatherings may continue after the burial.
Respectful communication with members of the specific religious community or consulting with religious leaders can provide more detailed insights into the customs and expectations.
A common American burial ceremony
The order of service for a traditional funeral (including a burial) can vary based on cultural and religious practices, as well as personal preferences. However, here is a general outline that is commonly followed in many traditional burial services:
Gathering/Viewing/Visitation
During the wake, viewing, or visitation, friends and family gather before the funeral service to pay respects, offer condolences, and view the deceased if an open casket is present.
Funeral Service
- Opening remarks: Welcome and introduction by the officiant or clergy.
- Prayers and readings: Religious or spiritual prayers, readings, and scriptures are shared.
- Eulogy: Family members or close friends may deliver eulogies, sharing memories and stories about the deceased.
- Music: Hymns, songs, or other musical selections may be included to provide comfort and reflection.
- Sermon or reflection: A sermon or reflection on life, death, and the individual's legacy may be delivered.
- Final Viewing (Optional): In some cases, a final opportunity for viewing the deceased may be provided.
Procession to the burial site
The casket is transported to the burial site, either within the same location or to a cemetery. Pallbearers may carry the casket, and family and friends follow in a procession.
Graveside Service
- Committal prayers: Additional prayers, blessings, or readings are said at the graveside.
- Interment: The casket is lowered into the grave, or the urn is placed in a burial niche or grave, symbolizing the final resting place.
- Rituals or customs: Specific cultural or religious rituals related to the interment may be observed. Final goodbyes: Family and friends may take turns placing flowers on the casket or performing other symbolic acts.
- Closing remarks: The officiant or clergy may offer final words of comfort and support.
Reception or gathering (Optional)
After the burial, some families choose to host a reception or gathering for attendees to share memories and support one another. Food and drinks are often shared at a reception.
This order of service can be adapted based on specific cultural or religious traditions and the wishes of the deceased and their family. This is a general overview of what to expect at a traditional burial, with an emphasis on Christian rituals in the United States as these are quite prevalent. Every culture and religion has its own way of handling death and funerals.
Burials are one aspect of the events that may occur after a loved one has passed away. If you’re in charge of planning a funeral or have recently lost someone and want to honor their memory, consider creating a memorial website. Memorial websites on Ever Loved are free and easy to use and let you easily share upcoming events with friends, family, and community. Share event information, collect donations, collect memories, post an obituary, and more on Ever Loved.
