A Balinese cremation ceremony in 2010. Photo: Flickr/Graeme Churchard from Ted Blog
Here in the United States funeral traditions are changing. When I grew up, when someone died the family went to the local funeral home on the corner. They chose a casket, planned a two-day wake, planned the funeral at their local church and cemetery, and planned a funeral luncheon at their local restaurant. Now almost anything goes.First, who says they will choose burial with a casket? Many are choosing cremation and not even working with a traditional funeral home, but a direct cremation society. Families choose to either bury the urn at the cemetery in the ground or in a niche. Or they may want to keep the urn at home or scatter the ashes.
Some families work entirely with the church for a combo viewing, funeral service and luncheon. Others omit the church and cemetery and have a memorial service at a place the deceased cherished, like a golf course or park. Memorial celebrations may include a balloon release, hiring an ice cream truck, or planting a tree. One of my best friend’s funeral request was for her husband to have a celebration of life by having a carnival for the kids, friends, and family.
Here are a few links describing funeral traditions around the world. You can decide now what works best for you and your family when planning a funeral. Just about anything goes!
http://blog.ted.com/2013/10/01/11-fascinating-funeral-traditions-from-around-the-globe/
http://io9.com/5960343/10-bizarre-death-rituals-from-around-the-world
http://www.pinterest.com/shannonurns/funeral-memorial-ideas/
For more information on selecting a custom memorial urn for your loved one, contact us at http://www.steveshannoncollection.com/contact.html.
