Grief Rituals Vary Around the World, so Here are Five Interesting Traditions

Whether you choose funeral or cremation services in Canton Township, MI, for your loved one, part of moving through the emotions may include a grief ritual. The rituals will vary from culture to culture, so let's look at five different traditions held worldwide.

Hinduism

In the Hindu culture, when someone passes away, the belief is that their soul lives in a continued cycle of rebirth and death and practice detachment to help them accept a loss. The deceased's body is cremated, and the remains are scattered into a river marking the end of the physical life and the beginning of the journey for the person's soul.

Jazz Funerals

The event will generally start at a funeral home or church, and a procession will escort the body to the final resting place. Musicians perform during the event playing somber tunes; however, once the services are completed, and the individual is laid to rest, they switch to more upbeat music as they exit the event.

Sky Burials

Buddhist's belief in reincarnation and life and death plays a deep role in how the loss is grieved. In most situations, a sky burial will b held, and while the deceased is not placed into the ground, they are placed in an outdoor area and allow nature to consume the remains. This not only serves as a continuation of the circle of life but also is a practical option for body disposal.

China

In some Chinese cultures, the idea is to reestablish order and harmony that result from disruptions in the cosmic balance due to the loss period; however, methods will vary depending on the culture and religion. Typically, they will grieve by incorporating the body brought home and have a bathing ceremony, pouring water over the hand of the deceased and placed in a casket surrounded by flowers. Varying rituals can also take place ranging from prayers to visits from a monk; it can last up to a year, depending on the deceased's status.

Judaism

The Jewish religion has specific timelines and rituals that will follow the death of an individual. Typically, there is a year of mourning and a set of obligations for the mourners that goes in stages. The funeral typically happens within 24 hours after the individual passes away, and the body will be buried in an unordained plain wooden casket without embalming. A rabbi will conduct the funeral, and a few shovels of soil will be placed into the coffin to physically say goodbye to the deceased and offer a sense of closure.

Your Source for Exceptional Services

Culture and religion will directly affect how the grieving process takes place. Even with those who aren't religious, there may be other traditions that their family has utilized to help with the grief. Working with a professional is crucial, so if you have recently gone through a loss and need funeral or cremation services in Canton Township, MI, we are here to support you and have over 117 years of dedicated service for our community. Our team is here to answer all your questions, so contact us today to get started.