Funeral Programs
Traditional Funeral Programs in North America.In most cultural groups, and regions, funeral rituals have been divided into three principal parts:
Visitation (funeral programs).A visitation ( a "viewing" or "wake") places the embalmed body, of the deceased person, on display. It is in a coffin, or casket.At the viewing, friends and relations greet more distant relatives and friends of the dead person(s). It is a social gathering, with little in the way of ritual. The viewing often occurs on one or two evenings, before the funeral. Frequently, the only prescribed aspects, of this gathering, are attendees signing a book. This book is kept by the decedent's survivors, to record who attended. The attendees are expected to view the decedent's body, in the coffin. A family may choose to display photographs, taken of the deceased person. They show his/her life. Often, these are formal portraits, with other family members, and candid pictures to show "happy times". They show prized possessions and other items, representing his/her hobbies and/or accomplishments. A viewing is either "open", or "closed", casket. "Open" casket" shows the embalmed body of the deceased, clothed and treated with cosmetics for display. "Closed" casket has a closed coffin. This step, in the mourning process, is a part of Christian tradition. In some cases, it is closed. This happens if the decedant's body was too badly damaged; there was an accident or fire; deformed from illness; or, (in rare instances) if family members are emotionally unable to cope with viewing the corpse. However, this is foreign to Judaism. Jewish funerals are held soon after death. The corpse is never displayed. The decedent's closest friends, and relatives, unable to attend frequently send flowers to the viewing. Typically, the viewing takes place at a funeral home. It is equipped with gathering rooms, where the viewing is conducted. Sometimes, the viewing takes place at a church. It may end with a prayer service. In the Catholic funeral, this includes a rosary. Funeral and Burial service Xanga Myspace LiveJournal | free pics images | free My space Backrounds |