On Wednesday Night, February 22^nd, we will discuss “Funeral Customs.”  I was recently asked a question about funerals.  “Why do we do what we do at the Death of a Loved One?”

The traditional way of dealing with death in the North Georgia area is as follows:  After a loved one dies, their body is taken to a Funeral Home. In a day or so there is a “visitation” where the family gathers and friends visit. The casket may be open or closed. There are pictures or a slide show of the deceased on display. People who knew the deceased begin to bring food for the family and send flowers or make a donation to a charity designated by the family of the deceased. The Funeral service follows the visitation. The funeral attendees dress in dark colors. There is music, prayers, eulogies, and sermons. The final step is the burial at a local cemetary.

We live in a time when many traditions are changing and this includes funerals. With the increase in travel and immigration, there has been a mingling of funeral rites from various cultures around the world. Some funerals follow the North Georgia “traditional” ways. Some people only want a simple graveside service. Some have a cremation and a memorial service that follows. Others want a “Celebration of Life” with no body present. Some delay the service until family members from around the world are able to attend. Even among Christians, there does not seem to be an official “order of service” for a funeral in the Bible.

With all the choices available today – what is your choice?

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