What happens at a Christian funeral and why?

Answer 1

First the family, friends and interested party's meet either at the church or other venue. Here the family and friends say a few words about the the deceased and say a final goodbye. A priest or minister then initiates a small religious service relating to the passing of people from the physical plane. With this done the coffin that has been the centre of the ceremony is closed in the case of an open coffin funeral. and is carried to a hearse which takes it to a cemetery At the cemetery another small service is led by the priest after which the coffin is lowered into the grave. In the case of cremations this final ceremony is usually held at the crematorium and at the end of the service the coffin slides behind a curtain to be cremated. In most cases after all this has been done a further get together happens at the home of the deceased or if that is not possible a the home of a friend. Some of the Irish have what is known as a wake where every one is expected to have a good time at the party that is held at the end of the funeral.

1) The coffin is at the back of the church. The priest reads a few verses:
"I am the Resurrection and the life."
"God so loved the world that He gave His only son, so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life."
-This reminds mourners that the person is going to Heaven.

2) The coffin is blessed with Holy water and covered with a white cloth, a Bible and crucifix are placed on top along with any souvenirs of the person.
-This shows how the person has been baptised and died with faith in Christ.

3) The service continues with a Liturgy of the Word (Bible readings). Popular readings include Psalm 23.
-This gives a peaceful image of heaven and mourners are comforted by the words "You are at my side."

4) Sermon - The Priest explains the readings
-The priest will comfort the mourners by emphasising heaven.

5) Prayers - Are said throughout the service.
-Catholics pray for the person who has died, so they spend less time in Purgatory. Others may pray for special intentions.

6) Hymns - Are sung throughout the service.
-This lifts mourners spirits.

7) Eulogy - This is a speech made by a family member or friend, the person making the speech will often try to add jokes to cheer mourners up.
-This looks back and celebrates the person's life.

8) Burial/Cremation - the priest will say more prayers asking for God's mercy saying, " From dust you came and to dust you shall return."

9) The Wake - is when the family and friends get together in a party of sorts and share memories of the person's life.
-This is a chance to show sympathy and support.

Answer 2

well the family and friends tell stories they have about him and what not because, well don't they do that at all funerals. they play christian hymns because, they're hymns does that need a back story. and the pastor/priest reads a vers or two from The Bible and they put them in the ground.

Answer 3

A funeral is a ritual that is performed when a person dies. It involves more than just burying a dead person.

Different religions have different types of funerals.