Fascinating Funerary Traditions from Around the World

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What’s considered “normal” by any one person largely depends on their native region of the world and the culture that exists there. Though placing your deceased in an elaborately decorated pine box and burying them six feet beneath the earth might sound perfectly normal to most Americans and Europeans, this practice sounds downright strange to many other cultures. Likewise, at least some of other cultures’ funerary practices will likely strike outsiders as odd, as well – if not downright macabre. Join us on a brief journey to explore two of the most fascinating funerary traditions from around the world. And if you’re seeking solutions closer to home, be sure to reach out to cremation services Tallahassee, FL for assistance.

Famadihana – Madagascar

Also called “The Turning of the Bones”, Famadihana is an ancient rite practiced by the Malagasy people since at least the 17th century, though its origins likely trace back further than that. The ceremony, which is more a celebration than an affair of mourning, consists of several phases. First, the living descendants of the deceased enter the crypt where the remains are interred and haul the cloth-wrapped cadaver out into the daylight. The remains are then placed on the ground and rewrapped in fresh cloth and the decedent’s name is written on the new wrappings. Lastly, the family lifts the freshly swaddled corpse over their heads and circles the crypt several times while dancing to vivacious music before returning it to its resting place.

Traditional Irish Wake – Ireland

Though similar to traditional American wakes, in which the deceased is presented in a casket at a funeral home for friends and family to view, visit, and mourn with one another, Irish wakes have a few key differences. First, there’s the attitude surrounding the wake. Irish wakes are typically a time for celebration, as they believe the recently deceased is preparing for a journey to a better place in the afterlife. For this reason, the deceased is prepared for their trip through a process known as “laying out”.

Immediately after passing, a window within the premises is opened to allow the deceased’s spirit to escape, then closed after two hours to prevent the spirit from returning to the body. Clocks are stopped at the time of death, mirrors are covered, and window shades are drawn. Candles are placed at the head and foot of the dead’s resting location, and sometimes boots are laid out to aid them on their walk through purgatory. They’re washed, shaved, and dressed smartly. Rosary beads are placed in their hands and a cross on their neck. The person of honor is then displayed within either their own or a beloved family member’s home, traditionally by being placed in a chair somewhere within the residence to greet and mingle with the guests.

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To Each Their Own

Though cultural differences can often appear strange at first glance it’s important to maintain an open mind and respectful attitude and to also remember that our own practices, both those concerning the living and the dead, most likely appear equally offensive to others. Only through education and communication can we come to accept one another, and to this end, we hope this article aided you. For more information concerning funerary rites and options available to you contact cremation services today.

You can learn more about cremation services Tallahassee, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations.

Burial vs. Cremation – Which is Best?

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The technique of body disposition defines the distinctions between cremation and burial. Cremation is the burning of a body leaving behind ash and bone for the family to keep or dispose of. Cremation is reducing a body to its fundamental parts via the use of heat and flame. The corpse is reduced to ashes and bones by a specifically built furnace known as a cremation chamber. There are cremation services in Tallahassee, FL, that handle cremation and burial services for families based on their preferences. 

Burial involves burying the body of a deceased person underground. This is generally accomplished by excavating the earth and burying the body 6 feet below it. Recently, it has been revealed that some families opt to bury the cremated ashes of their loved ones. 

According to reports by CANA (Cremation Association of North America), the rate of cremation used as a method of funeral service for the deceased has grown exponentially from 48.6% in the year 2015. And it is expected to increase by 54.3% before the end of 2021. Also, according to FAMIC (Funeral and Memorial Information Council), in a report conducted by Harris Poll, it was reported that over 65% of Americans choose the option of cremation. 

People, influenced by various factors, such as religion, personal belief, and race, have grown only to accept one method of funeral service and banish the others. In contrast, there are others who are liberal about the decision or do not care about their bodies after death. 

Burial vs. Cremation: The Pros and Cons

Burial or cremation is a tough decision to make for bereaved families or even for living beings making pre-funeral plans. However difficult, there are pros and cons between the two methods that may help people decide. 

The Pros:

Burial

Cremation

You are sure of getting quality funeral services based on the costs.  It is less expensive. 
The presence of a gravesite can allow the family closure.  Cremated remains can be taken anywhere and at any time. 
A more recognized form of burial method.  It has no time restraints. The burial rites can occur after the cremation. 
Provision of a specified location where the body of the deceased is buried. This allows for family or personal visitation.  A cremation scattering can occur at any place of choice. 
Burial practices are not limited by certain customs, beliefs, or religions. It’s an acceptable way of laying the dead to rest.  It supports various memorial options for the bereaved family. 

 

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The Cons: 

Burial 

Cremation 

It can get expensive.  Not a generally accepted method for a funeral. 
Cemetery restrictions may serve as a hindrance to the bereaved families.  It is not provided in most areas. 
The thought of burying their loved ones beneath the ground may not be comfortable for everyone.  A loved one being burned to ashes may not be comfortable for everyone. 

 

In the end, the choice of a burial procedure may only be made after thorough investigation and analysis. It’s crucial to have an honest discussion with loved ones regarding burial options so that everyone is on the same page. Cremation services can provide professional assistance when in doubt. Their role is to assist you in making the most acceptable decision for your dead loved one (s). 

You can learn more about cremation services in Tallahassee, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations. 

What’s the Average Cost of Cremation Services?

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The average cost of cremating a deceased person in the United States is $4000 – $7000. However, the cost of cremation varies depending on the style of cremation. Depending on the funeral home and region, the cost of cremation may vary. The cost of cremation services funeral homes in Havana, FL, ranges from $2,000 – $10,000. 

Cremation is a relatively straightforward process. However, because of various circumstances and extra services supplied by funeral homes, which increase cremation prices, it can be perplexing for a family seeking to save money by employing cremation services. 

Direct cremation is the cheapest kind of cremation if your budget is between $2,000 – $5,000; however, this also depends on the funeral home used and the location. A direct cremation can be used by bereaved families who do not want to complete the traditional burial ritual at the time of death to expedite the procedure. The typical cost of direct cremation services, caskets, and urns will be thoroughly explained. 

Cost of Direct Cremation Services In the South Atlantic District 

The South Atlantic District comprises the following states: 

  • Florida
  • Delaware
  • Maryland
  • North and South Carolina
  • Virginia and West Virginia
  • Georgia

The Average Cost of a Direct Cremation in the Above Districts Includes

Direct Cremation Services 

Average Cost 

Standard Cost 

Maximum Cost 

Direct cremation with a container provided by the family.  $700  $2,195  $3,765 
Direct cremation with a container provided by the funeral home.  $50  $2,295  $4,255 
Direct cremation with the casket provided by the funeral home.  $200  $2,620  $5,490 

The cost of cremation services vs. burial costs 

Both funeral services have different costs based on two primary factors: the funeral home hired and the location. The typical cost of a cremation in the United States is between $700 and $800 in different states. A cremation with all of the add-on services, on the other hand, might cost thousands of dollars. Depending on the add-on services, a funeral home’s typical cost of burial services can range from $7,000 to $12,000. 

Due to the ever-growing increase in the burial of a loved one using the burial method, families attempting to stick to a budget often choose cremation funeral services. According to a statistics study, the use of cremation has skyrocketed in recent years as compared to the usage of cremation services in the 1990s, when just 3% of people made use of cremation services. 

Cremation Caskets 

Traditional burial caskets are not the same as cremation caskets. There are no metal pieces in them. They are mostly made of wood, cardboard, and other materials. This is because the cremation casket will be disposed of together with the body. A cremation casket ranges between $120 – $600. A rented casket, which costs between $400 and $600, is available for families that want to have a viewing ceremony before cremation.

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Cremation Urns 

An urn is a container that holds a person’s corpse (mainly ashes). Urn costs are projected to range from $70 – $2,250. These prices are determined by the urn’s style, material, engraving option, and relative size. These elements have a considerable impact on cremation expenses. 

The cremation cost varies based on where you live and which funeral home you choose. According to a poll done by the NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association), the average direct cremation in the United States costs $2,300. The cost of cremation services ranges from $2,000 – $10,000. 

You can learn more about cremation services funeral homes in Havana, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations. 

Are Cremation Services Frowned Upon in Some Religions? And Other Interesting Facts About Disposition Methods!

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In the history of mankind, losing someone you love has never been, and will never be, easy. It’s heart-wrenching and difficult on your mind, body, and soul, but grief can be cathartic. The mourning process can be a healing process in the same instance. And your choice of funerary services and disposition methods, like cremation services in Tallahassee, FL, are prime examples of how you can garner peace of mind through a final goodbye.

Cremation is one of the most popular disposition methods available to the general public. The process involves burning the decedent down to ashes, allowing loved ones to keep those ashes in an urn or scatter them somewhere the decedent loved to be, like the sea or mountains. It’s often seen as a peaceful and eco-friendly disposition method, and one preferred by those that have passed away.

To the title question

Yes, some religions frown upon cremation and opt for burials instead. Those of Islamic or Jewish faiths, for instance, are heavily opposed to cremation because they believe that the act of burning a body is defamation of the deceased. Other religions, such as Buddhism, believe that cremation is purifying the body, allowing the soul to cleanly cut ties to its corporeal form.

In the United States, Christianity is the most prominent religion with subcategories, like Protestant, Baptist, and Catholic. Some offshoots of Christianity are for cremation, while others are opposed. Catholicism, for instance, is opposed, as they believe that the Holy Bible views fire as the equivalent of damnation. They also believe in the stories of Christ’s resurrection, which involves burial to preserve the body.

Cremation is a personal choice and belief. One that plays a big part in the funerary and disposition path someone chooses for when they pass away. There’s no right or wrong belief or choice here, as long as someone’s wishes are honored with the utmost respect.

Does the Act of Cremation Take All Day?

Most people are surprised at how long it takes for a body to be cremated. The cremation chamber, also known as a retort, gets up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough to burn away organic matter, like skin, fat, and muscle, in under two hours.

Hair burns first because the filaments are quick to catch fire. Bones will burn last because they are the toughest and contain bits of calcium and other matter. In the process, the bones are purified and reduced to ash. Some crematoriums will go back and grind the bones into finer powder after cremation.

The process of cremation is peaceful and, of course, painless. Some people are concerned that their loved ones will somehow feel being cremated, but deceased persons don’t feel anything any longer. Crematorium staff and funeral directors often emphasize the fact that cremation is a painless, simple disposition process.

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Do Fillings and Gold Teeth Melt During Cremation?

Yes! Gold and other metals will melt during the cremation process. Remains are stirred and repositioned as the body is burned down, so melted metals and other materials are mixed into the ashes. After cremation services loved ones have six weeks to collect the remains of a decedent before the ashes are stored in a vault of unclaimed cremains.

You can learn more about cremation services in Tallahassee, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations.

Moving Past Your Grief

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It takes time to get over your loss and return to normalcy. It may take a long time for you to feel better after the cremation service, or it may take much longer. Here are some things to keep in mind about cremation services in Tallahassee, FL.

When dealing with grief following death, the word “moving on” is commonly used. One of the most typical questions a grieving person has is when it’s okay to move on from the sadness and overwhelming agony that comes with losing a loved one.

Stages of Grief

Before deep-diving into the answer, one should look at the five stages of grief one faces after a close one is taken away.

  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Bargaining
  • Depression
  • Acceptance

Even though each person grieves in their own way, the majority of people go through these five stages of grief. The duration of each stage, however, varies from person to person.

Only the Grieving Gets to Define “Moving On”

There hasn’t been any specific research or established rule to determine when you’re ready to move forward until today. Every everyone moves through grief at their own speed, not one minute slower or faster than the next. For some, it could be a few weeks, while for others, it could be a year or more.

No one can tell you how soon you should move forward, and any pressure from society to speed up the process will simply add to your anxiety. Only you know when it’s time to move forward and resume your normal routine.

No Time is the Right Time

To be honest, no single defined schedule, day, period, or event can indicate when the optimal time to resume normalcy is. Grief is sensible, but it is also highly perplexing and difficult to comprehend. You might feel better and more positive one day and then be overcome with anxiety and pessimism the next.

Every bereaved person follows a different and individual road, moving at their own pace. You can’t push or postpone acceptance; you can only move on from grief when you’re ready. Grief can be a never-ending source of pain and frustration, and some individuals have fought to move on from the grief of losing a loved one for what seems like an eternity, but that’s okay.

So, be patient and try to maintain a healthy routine to let the events rolling naturally.

Nature of Bond Effects Grief Timeline

Having said that, it’s important to realize that the nature and closeness of the link with the departed soul have a considerable impact on the timing.cremation services in Tallahassee, FL

If they were close to the deceased, many people’s grieving lasts longer and is more profound. A long-distance relationship may not elicit as many feelings. However, everyone is unique, and there’s no way to know how you’ll feel ahead of time.

Moving On Isn’t Forgetting Them

Moving on does not suggest that you have forgotten about your lost loved one; rather, it signifies that you have accepted and adapted to your new reality. The shared memories with the departed soul live on, and you may honor their memory by commemorating significant days such as birthdays, anniversaries, and memorial ceremonies, as well as visiting their resting place or saving their ashes.

You can learn more about cremation services in Tallahassee, FL. Talk to us at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Florida or call one of our locations.