Share:

In our modern, multicultural society, we are fortunate to have a rich and diverse community comprised of many different religions and cultural practices. While it's always important to respect this diversity, it is especially courteous to do so during funeral services. Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home is a full-service funeral home that has been serving the Sparta, Wisconsin, area since 1858. 

Here they share some insights into funeral etiquette for different religious and cultural traditions:

  • Buddhism: At a Buddhist funeral ceremony, family members typically wear white while friends wear black. White flowers are considered the most appropriate and respectful. Buddhists show their love and appreciation for the deceased by gently bowing to the casket; the bow is also seen as a tribute to this ultimate lesson in impermanence, a hallmark of Buddhist teachings.
  • Catholicism: Catholic funerals consist of multiple ceremonies. First, there is a wake, usually held in the days leading up to the church service. Next there is a church ceremony, often a funeral mass, followed by a graveside service as the deceased is interred. Modest flower arrangements with subdued and calm colors are best for a Catholic service.
  • Judaism: In the Jewish tradition, the funeral and burial services are completed within 24 hours of the death. After the services, the family of the deceased sit shiva for seven days, a period of mourning in which loved ones, friends, and colleagues visit the family. No flowers are ever sent, and any mirrors are usually covered with black cloth. Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home will accommodate any religious or cultural traditions you or your loved ones may have.
  • Islam: At an Islamic funeral service, it's typically only men who attend the ceremony itself. The ceremony and burial are completed as soon as possible after the death, often within 24 hours. The appropriateness of flowers at an Islamic service is a debated subject. Before attending, check with a local mosque to understand the traditions in your area and to see if non-Muslims and women may attend the service.

Funeral

Call Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home at (608) 269-6666 or visit them online to start making funeral arrangements. As one of Monroe County's foremost local funeral homes, they strive to offer affordable funerals and cremation services. They are here to help you craft the perfect tribute to the one you've lost, no matter what your religious or cultural affiliation may be.

tracking