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Funerals
A funeral is a ceremony that takes place, marking the death of a person. Questions in this category can include things about the ceremony, traditions, and cultural aspects.
1,593 Questions
Who is legally responsible for your funeral expense?
When someone dies, the responsibility, as well as the liability of arranging a funeral falls upon the immediate family. However, if no family members present themselves to arrange the funeral, the local authorities would, in most instances, take responsibility for the provision of the funeral. This means that if the local authority (Council, City, and occasionally Federal) must arrange the funeral and you've died 'intestate,' meaning having left no will, they will arrange for a simple, basic funeral. In this instance, a local authority member would use an established legal right to enter your property to determine whether what, if any, assets exist that may be sold to fund the funeral.
When no funds are found, the government agency may be able to find contact numbers for family or friends who would like to financially assist in the payment for a funeral. Should this not exist, and you've died with virtually no assets, depending on the local authority (and country's law), you could be disposed of via a pauper's funeral. In parts of the US, this could include a common field, where other individuals have been buried en masse, in typically unadorned wooden coffins, similar to those used in traditional Jewish funerals. Some communities have moved to a policy of cremation and collective dispersal of cremated remains, thus eliminating the costs of burial and coffins. In either case, neither leaves a memorial marker of any sort.
In almost every country, there are social funds to assist those families who lose a loved one, who truly cannot afford to pay for a funeral. Albeit limited funds, it provides for a funeral of dignity. However, in these scenarios, it most often prohibits those who claim they cannot afford to pay, to have any input, whatsoever, into the day, time, location of funeral, etc. The only grant a family may possibly be offered is that right to choose a celebrant or minister for the funeral.
For those considering the future and may be concerned about leaving family members laboured with the challenge of arranging and paying for a funeral, there are numerous pre-pay plans whereby a funeral can be pre-paid through monthly instalments, where entering into the agreement, funeral prices are frozen. (In some places, funeral costs have literally doubled in the past three years!)
This permits you not only to express your own wishes, but also to avoid having your loved ones face the often difficult task of making decisions, where family relations can become strained due to disagreements regarding options, costs, and choices.
How long can a funeral be delayed to allow relatives time to arrive from other countries?
A couple of years.
Is it proper to wear pink to a funeral?
People need to dress in such a way that respects the dead person and his or her family. === === These days it is much more acceptable for people to wear more colorful clothing to a funeral, just as people are now wearing jeans to church. While I wouldn't wear anything that isn't appropriately modest for the occasion, and although I personally prefer to wear darker, more conservative clothing to funerals, I wouldn't think less of a person who wore pink to one. It's just a matter of personal preference. To wear pink, or any other pastel or bright color - the colors of rejoicing - to a funeral would be an effective way to communicate to those present that you are delighted at the death of their loved one. It would be hard to imagine anything in worse taste. MY opinion: -if you want to impress someone you have to think in two ways: 1. black and conservative or 2. trendy and stylish so wear a black sexy dress and add your own touches such as add a cardigain or a cute dark belt that way to a stylish and not wearing pink
Funerals are for the living and not the dead. Although it is important to follow through with your loved ones wishes (ie: cremation/burial) ultimatley the funeralization process is to help your family with their grief. Whether you have a traditional service at a funeral home or a party at a pub, it is important for you to celebrate their life formally or otherwise. This will help you with your grieving process and give you a sense of closure.
Why do goths place coins on eyes at funerals?
This isn't a particularly Amish practice. The custom actually predates Christianity, in Greek folklore, and is strong among Roman Catholics. You "copper the eyes" to pay Charon the fare for ferrying the deceased across the River Styx.
This is a long, involved question, not well suited for the limits of this wiki. (Wiki-wiki is Hawaiian for "quick") However, I would recommend Harlan Ellison's short story "Pretty Maggie Moneyeyes". It's a 1967 story, but it's not at all hard to find; it's been widely anthologized, and I see that a text file of the story is high in the search rankings. I'd recommend "I have no mouth and I must scream" or "Voices from the edge III" on the basis of the other stories in those collections. They are excellent.
What are currently the most expensive metallic and wooden burial caskets in the US?
York's "Pharaoh Sarcophagus", a 1.100 lbs heavy cast bronze casket with statuary bronze patina and velvet interior, weighing almost 1.100 lbs and priced between US $ 160,000 (Online casket retailer) and 270,000 (manufacturer's recommended retail price).
A green funeral director is someone who specializes in providing green funerals. A green funeral is one that is environmentally friendly. For instance, the materials used in a green funeral are biodegradable, the body is usually not embalmed and sometimes a tree or bush is planted as a memorial rather than a gravestone.
Where does a funeral take place in?
A cemetery, a church, a crematorium, a grave yard, a mortuary, the undertakers, a chapel of rest........
Where is Carolyn Kennedy buried?
If you are referring to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, her ashes were buried at sea with the ashes of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr. shortly after their tragic deaths from a plane crash in July of 1999. The remains of the married couple, along with Carolyn's sister Lauren's remains were scattered in a private ceremony on the USS Briscoe on July 22nd that accorded the Kennedys and Bessettes the opportunity to give their loved ones a private and civilian farewell. They were buried close to the spot where their airplane had crashed on July 16th off the coast of Martha's Vineyard.
What flowers are appropriate for a Hindu funeral?
Flowers should not be sent to a Hindu funeral. If a friend wishes to send flowers, it is best to send them after the funeral and cremation, so they are not part of the ceremony. Hindis' use Tulsi, a relative of Basil at the funeral. This is used to pass health benefits on to the dead before their next life begins. The lotus is an important and sacred flower and it is linked to good health and virility. Family members may place lotus flowers and Tulsi over the body of the deceased.
Where did Jehovah's Witness's originate?
The Jehovah's Witnesses modern day history began in United States.
The modern day history of Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870. Charles Taze Russell, raised as a Presybyterian who later associated with the Congregational Church, was searching for convincing answers to his questions. His frustration in not finding them in the established churches lead him to eventually undertake an independent study of the bible with some close associates from 1870 - 1875.
This small bible study group grew to about 30 individuals. He collaborated briefly with Nelson Homer Barbour, (1824-1908) a "Millerite" Adventist who agreed with him on the invisible nature of Christ's return to produce the journal "Herald of the Morning from 1876-1878.
Russell however was never an Adventist and voiced his disagreement with much of the Adventist teachings (notably in the physical return of Christ); that having been said, Russell's group found that there other individuals that had had similar views to theirs and publically acknowledged the value of the works of individuals such as Adventist Jonas Wendell, Henry Grew (1781-1862), Baptist Minister William Miller (1782-1849), Methodist-Episcopal minister George Storrs (1796-1879) and others.
Russell's study group of around 30 members merged with Barbours larger group in 1876 but due to a difference of opinion, the two groups split in May 22, 1879 and Russell cut of all contact with Barbour and it was at this point that Russell undertook to produce his own journal "Zion's Watchtower". The first issue was in July 1979.
Sometime around 1876, the congregation in Pittsburgh ordained Russell as their "pastor," and hence, he came to be called "Pastor Russell." Later, many other congregations in many parts of the world ordained Russell as their "pastor." By 1876, Russell had already had at least five years of theological training from others whom Russell named in his publications, and, by means of private tutoring and self-education, he was well-educated along secular lines.
The readers of "The Watchtower" formed bible study groups all over the country and sought to share the things they were learning. Russell died in 1916 but the Bible Students continued. They adopted the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" in 1931.
There is only one Jehovah according to Psalm 83:18, and he has always existed. (Psalm 90:2)
Many claim that the Jehovah's Witnesses were founded in 1879 in Pennsylvania USA by Charles Taze Russell, but since Russell did not believe in such an organization as the Jehovah's Witnesses, and since the gospel that Russell taught was almost the opposite of what Jehovah's Witnesses teach, this idea is challenged, and many point thus point to Joseph Rutherford as the real founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses. In 1879 Russell began publishing a monthly magazine, entitled "Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence," in order to defend the Bilblical doctrine of substitutionary atonement. Russell rejected many doctrines held in high esteem by man's traditional "orthodoxy," because (1) he failed to find them in the Bible, and (2) these added-on doctrines often conflicted with the New Testament scriptures pertaining to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. He was a prolific writer producing over 50,000 printed pages. Russell was a charismatic person.
In 1881, he founded the Watchtower Society for the purpose of further defending the atoning sacrifice of Jesus and help coordinate work amongst the various congregations that had were using the Watch Tower magazine. Russell gave away gratis tens of thousands of tracts, mostly supported from the fortune he had obtained through sell of his former clothing business.
Many false accusations have been promulgated concerning Charles Taze Russell. For instance, it has been falsely that Russell claimed (in court) to be an expert in Biblical Greek but he actually never made such a claim. It is claimed that Russell was asked to recite the Greek alphabet, when in reality he was never asked to do so. The details of what happened regarding this may be found online under the perjury category of the "Focus on Charles Taze Russell" site.
Another false accusation is that Mrs. Russell accused Mr. Russell of infidelity, meaning adultery. Although Mrs. Russell presented many insinuations in her testimony, she plainly stated that she was not claiming that Mr. Russell had committed adultery.
It was not until after Russell died in 1916 that Joseph Rutherford gained control of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, and began to use that legal entity to create a "new organization." (See the Watch Tower issues of December 1916) Some Bible Students began to see what was happening in 1917, while most Bible Students did not realize what was happening until much later. By 1930, most of the earlier Bible Students movement had rejected Rutherford's "new organization", and the "new gospel" being preached, and were carrying on various activities without the Watch Tower. In order to distinguish his new organization from the old Bible Students movement, Rutherford had the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" adopted in 1931.
ANSWER (Answers.com)
Member of an international religious movement founded in Pittsburgh, Pa., by Charles T Russell in 1872.
The movement was originally known as the International Bible Students Association, but its name was changed by Russell's successor, Joseph Franklin Rutherford (1869 - 1942). The Witnesses are a millennialist group whose beliefs are based primarily on the apocalyptic sections of the bible notably Daniel and the Book of Revelation.
The name "Jehovah's Witnesses was formally adopted by the group in 1931". There are currently 7 million Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide.
There is only one Jehovah according to Psalm 83:18, and he has always existed. (Psalm 90:2)
Who has the right to bury a man his adult son or his sister?
The wife is the decision maker unless the will has stated otherwise.
- No. Although some wakes have the option to make donations to a certain cause (if the cause of death being heart problems there may be the option to give donations to the organization/institute or a place such as the retirement home).
- No. The reason for a wake is so friends and acquaintances of the family can offer condolences. In most religions/cultures it is viewed as a sign of respect.
- Usually, some will give money at a wake. But I am Vietnamese and in Vietnamese culture the family does not accept the money no matter what.
- There is no specific etiquette governing this courtesy and offering of assistance and respect due too varying customs, religions and traditions. However, it does present the best opportunity to extend assistance to the family to help defer the cost and show respect in their time of need for numerous reasons and comfortably remove any embarrassment for the family.
- It is important that one respect the culture of the family and if you are unsure then contact the family or research that particular culture as to how they had a funeral or wake.
- I come from an Italian family and it seems to be something that the older generation does but it has been fased out for my generation. For example, when my grandmother died two years ago, all the little old ladies brought my dad a check. Noone under 80 did. My dad explained to me that this was way before insurance policies and things like that, so everyone would bring the family money to help with funeral costs and to help the family get by in the coming weeks.
- People need to realize how expensive funerals can be. The wake (flowers, venue, limo), casket, burial land, burial cost, grave stone... all cost money. When my grandma died, it cost almost 20k, not including extra money the family is spending in their grief. We tried to be thrifty, but some things you HAVE to spend more on like gravestones and land. Most families do not have spare money to cover these costs. I suggest you give $25-$200 per person in your family or as much as you can. Do not ASSUME it's not proper to give money or condolences and food are enough for the family. If you were in the same situation, you would be grateful for having friends and family help you honor your loved one. If the family won't accept it, respect them and donate it or bring flowers.
Only if they really need it. If the father for example dies without life insurance and he was the family's breadwinner, you should give them a little cash discreetly in a card. Otherwise just make a donation to charity in their name or send flowers.
End New AnswerIn areas of the country it is not normal to give money to the family. Where i grew up in the Bronx it was the custom to help the familt out. One person is chosen to be the receiver( for lack of a better word) who would accept every ones regrets. When my father-in-law passed i was chosen to be the receiver, in the 2 nights of the wake grieving friends and relatives expressed their regrets to the tune of close to $25,000, which was duly noted in the family book of who gave how much for what and future donations we would reciprocate in due time . but other people give food for the after funeral meal and family reunion
Donations
In some cultures it is customary indeed to donate food and money to the family of the deceased. I believe Muslim Africa is one of these regions. In some parts in India it is customary for the family (other than the immediate next of kins) to cook food for those who come and attend the funeral.
Well in some countries like in the Philippines, people who goes to the funeral usually gives donation to help the bereave family. :)
What is the meal called after a funeral?
It is usually called a funeral supper or Memorial supper. The custom might be an arcane hawking-back to the Biblical Last Supper- a common enough theme for prayer cards, mass cards, etc.
What is suitable clothing to wear to a funeral service?
You should wear a knee length black skirt ith dark stockings and a fitted (not skin tight) black shirt-classy, understated and respectful... Alternative: anything that is plain, simple and conservative. When I was about the same age I wore a white top and dark pants to a funeral and was told by the deceased's wife that it was very appropriate.
What is an honorary pallbearer?
the family to request a few associates of the deceased to serve as honorary pallbearers. They do not actively assist in carrying the casket, they usually walk beside or in front of the casket.
Is there a word for when someone who leads a hearse after a funeral by walking in front of it?
Prinicipal Mourner- more often the Coffin- as a hearse is a motor vehicle running at road speeds! This writer fulfilled this task- on foot- in front of my Mother"s casket at the funeral mass. The eldest survivor in the direct family usually has this assignment.
Are children responsible for paying funeral expenses?
The answer to this question depends on the laws of the state in which the death occurred; therefore, no single answer can be given here. It may be generally stated that funeral expenses become the responsibility of the person who makes the arrangements with the undertaker. That person signs the contract, which routinely provides that that person is responsible for payment. Even though the person making the arrangements is ultimately personally liable for the expenses, state laws permit a reasonable amount of funeral expense to be charged against the estate. If the arranger contracts for too elaborate a funeral, beneficiaries would be permitted to object to the full expense being charged to the estate. If a court disallows the entire expense out of the estate, the person who made the arrangements would be personally liable to the funeral director for the excess over what the court deems to be reasonable. For indigent decedents, states will have explicit laws governing imposition of funeral expenses upon persons who do not make the arrangements themselves. As an example of one statutory system, in New Jersey, if no one comes forward to make arrangements, the deceased is considered an unclaimed body. The county government in which the body is located will bury the body and charge the decedent's estate with the costs. If the decedent left no estate, the county will bury the body and the cost will be paid in the following manner: 1. If the decedent is an adult leaving a surviving spouse, the spouse will pay the cost; or 2. If the decedent is an unemancipated minor leaving a parent, the parent will pay the cost; or 3. if in the cases above, there is no surviving spouse or parent, the county will simply pay the cost of the burial. Thus, at least in New Jersey, if the children do not make the arrangements themselves, they are not responsible to pay for the funeral expenses. Of course that means that they are abandoning the parent's body and they have no say in how the body is buried or cremated.
How do you get through the loss of your husband?
I am truly very sorry for your loss. I doubt there are any words of comfort I can give at this time that will help ease your pain.
You are one of the few fortunate people that had a great relationship and a wonderful wife, but then you must be some kind of wonderful yourself. Let yourself grieve for however long it takes as it's healthy. Don't allow family or friends push you into other relationships until you are ready. The pain of grief you are feeling is like someone has pulled your heart right out of your body and everything reminds you of your wife. The loneliest time of your life is at night when you are alone with yourself. In time you will realize how fortunate you were to have whatever time you had with her and there are those wonderful memories. You will never replace this wonderful lady that was in your life, but in the future you will meet someone else and I'm sure she'll end up being a very close second to your lovely wife.
Only another person(s) who has gone through this loss can possibly understand how you feel. I suggest you join a "Grief Counseling Group" in your area and meet other people in the same circumstances. Men and women go to these meetings and it helps a lot to know you are not alone and eases the pain. There is great strength in these groups and I know you will get some comfort from them as well as a back-up system when you are feeling very down and lonely.
If you can post on this board again and leave the town/state you are in I would be happy to look up "Grief Counseling Groups" for you.
Remember, your wife really isn't gone and I am sure she is around you and she never really has passed away because she is in your heart and the hearts of family and friends. For each person we touch we leave an imprint on those lives and help people strive to become better human beings. It sounds as if your wife was one of these people that spread love, laughter and kindness throughout your lives. Keep the torch burning and continue with what she has instilled in you.
God Bless Marcy
AnswerHello Marcy,I lost my Loving Wife in the month of March, 2005. It was a sudden shock for myself and the entrire family. I have never in my entire life experienced such pain in my heart as have been going through.
I have felt as though I was not going to make it much longer!
We live in Lithia Springs GA. I do feel like I am the need of counseling.
I know my Wife is happy in HEAVEN. But I really wish that I had her here with me and the kids.
I pray to God everyday for strength and patience
Thank you for your positive words.
Answer:
Well I truly am sorry for your loss, but your wife only wants you to be happy. So I suggest that you should just move on with life, go get another girl, BUT NEVER FORGET THE ONE YOU TRUELY LOVED. Your wife.... Never forget her... But be happy because I am sure that's what she wants!
What is a synonym for funeral?
Some words related to the word 'funeral' are:
- the deceased
- casket
- urn
- family
- mourners
- flowers
- service, ceremony
- cremation
- embalming
- cemetery
- mausoleum
- grave
- marker, headstone
- memorial
- visitors log
- hearse
What to put on condolence card for dads Jehovah witness funeral?
Surely whatever you feel is in keeping with expressing condolence.
Who sits in the second funeral car?
It is normally the immediate family of the person that has died, such as parents, brothers and sisters, if there are no immediate relatives then it would be aunts, uncles cousins and so on, however it is up to the family arranging the funeral to decide who goes where. Indeed, the deceased may have already decided before they died by making their own funeral arrangements.
Etiquette for funeral of former spouse's parent?
Be unobtrusive. It is not about you. If the family approaches you, fine. Otherwise, follow the lead of other non-family members of the group. If you were close to his mom, a small floral arrangement or offering to a designated charity would be appropriate. In situations like this, less rather than more is nearly always appropriate.
What sort of flower types are often used at a funeral?
I think that lillies are very beautiful and symbolise purity and innocence. If not, just find a flower that means something to either you or them. I'm sure it will be appreciated.
Floral tributes are a key aspect of a funeral. It is wise to choose flowers that do convey some meaning as well as adding some aesthetic enhancement. Lilies are popular, as are roses and carnations. You should also think about colors as these are symbolic too.
There is a distinct difference between funeral flowers, which are the displays that are specifically arranged to accompany the funeral service, and sympathy flowers that are generally sent to the home of the bereaved.
If you are sending flowers to a funeral it is also wise to check with the family and/or funeral home first as what is considered appropriate. You don't want to send something that conflicts with the family's arrangements.
