In today’s multi-ethnic society, a Christian funeral is by no means the norm.
Other funerals include:
Muslim Funerals
There are many variations of Muslim funeral rites although Muslims are always buried.
Generally in the UK, the body is wrapped in a sheet and buried within 24 hours without a coffin and with the face turned towards Mecca. Some authorities provide special areas for Muslim burials and many Muslim communities acquire large family plots in private cemeteries.
Hindu Funerals
Hindus are always cremated unless death was a result of suicide.
Again, rites and customs vary. The body may be laid out and embalmed by a funeral director and visiting is arranged either at the funeral director’s premises or a private residence.
Hindu women pay their respects with open mourning but some castes forbid them to go to the crematorium. The ashes are scattered over water in a river or lake or take to India for similar dispersal.
Sikh Funerals
Sikhs also insist on cremation.
The body is washed and dressed by the family and visited at home before taken to a gurdwara for the main funeral service or to the crematorium.
The ashes are retained for scattering over water or taken to India.
Humanist Funerals
Many people have nothing to do with religion in life and have chosen not to have a member of the clergy officiate at the funeral.
A British Humanist Society service celebrates a person’s life and encourages help and support for the bereaved rather than looking on the funeral as a service to God.
Other Groups
Many other Christian groups have their own variations of the funeral service.
Salvationists (members of the Salvation Army) don’t die but are promoted to glory, and cremation is forbidden among strict Baptists,
There are Westernised versions of Hinduism such as Hare Krishna and Bahai which generally follow Hindu funeral rites while New Age culture may veer from Hinduism to earth, wind, fire and water rituals.
