Okay, in my story, my MC is going to her best friends funeral. The problem is, I don't know how a typical funeral service goes, as I have never been to one. Can someone describe how a funeral typically goes? Thanks.
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| phantomsveil | Funeral? |
    10,007 / 50,000 Joined: Nov 8, 2007
Posts: 5
Posted on:
Nov 11, 2007 - 16 21 |
Okay, in my story, my MC is going to her best friends funeral. The problem is, I don't know how a typical funeral service goes, as I have never been to one. Can someone describe how a funeral typically goes? Thanks. |
33,046 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2007 - 16 36
You arrive at the church (or wherever it is being held). Everyone is called into the building, they sit and listen to speeches about the person, sometimes they're allowed to walk up and say goodbye (open-coffin especially), and then you leave. Cremations = the coffin is removed and the ashes given back to the family later. Burials = I've never been to one, sorry. Afterwards there's a wake with food provided by friends and family of the bereaved.
~Ally~
----------9,250 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2007 - 16 44
I can tell you about Catholic funerals. I've been to other non-Catholic funerals as well and they vary. It would depend on the religion or beliefs of your character first off.
But a Catholic funeral usually starts with a rosary held at either the church or the funeral home a day before the funeral. Sometimes, it's on the morning before. It depends. Usually there is a funeral Mass, where the life of the deceased is celebrated. Usually family members will participate somehow-- by doing readings, by bringing up the gifts for Communion. There may be a Eulogy-- usually right after the Homily (I believe.) I've gone to funerals since I was five and have gone to several this year, you'd think I'd remember.
Sometimes, the priest will use incense during the Mass and he'll incense the coffin, say a few prayers and the service will end.
Then afterward there will be a short service at the cemetery. The coffin will either be buried or the ashes interred. (Catholics can be cremated but their ashes are not supposed to be spread.)
Then there is usually a reception afterward. This is a short version. There was thread about Catholic funerals last year.
I've been to other services as well, and they are different. Sometimes there is just a memorial gathering where people get up and talk about the deceased. Some of them are not as formal and lacking on the ritual. I'm not sure if this is all that helpful, but if you need more info. PM.
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Maria
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10,007 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2007 - 16 48
Thank you, both of you! It helped a great deal.
51,136 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2007 - 16 49
She might have gone to a 'visitation' the night before when there is a 'viewing' if the people want an open casket, (closed casket if the people don't want it, or if the deceased doesn't look so good. People visit with family members and each other informally. Sometimes there are pictures of the person's life on display or a video they play that the funeral home has put together about the person's life, etc. There is often a book for guests to sign.
The next day there is the funeral, words and prayers and tributes are said before the casket is taken out and loaded in the hearse. Then everyone gets in their vehicles and follows to the cemetary. Police escort in small towns, with people pulling over out of respect while the cars with headlights on follow behind the hearse, then family cars and others. Then they gather graveside, usually with a canopy, sometimes seating for the family and more prayers are said. This is how things go in the midwest with most of the services I've been to for Catholic, Baptist and a few other funerals.
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