As anyone who has lost a loved one can attest, feelings of shock, numbness, and sadness can quickly overwhelm. Daily life continues, but those left behind have to carry on, often with an aching void and a whole host of complicated emotions.

Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services owner, D.J. Wright, and the rest of our caring staff have walked alongside countless neighbors here in Flemington, Hunterdon County, and the surrounding areas as they planned or attended a funeral service. Over the years, we’ve noticed something many grieving families share in common: Faith and traditions often bring comfort during the most difficult times and add special meaning to a service or visitation.

There’s a unique sense of belonging, connection, and security that goes hand-in-hand with a life that is rich in faith and culture. In a community as diverse as ours, we count it a privilege to serve families from a number of faith traditions. We see how these traditions are a source of solace during difficult times, and we pride ourselves on being able to accommodate families from all different backgrounds and life experiences. It’s a part of our Golden Rule service.

Here, we want to highlight funeral customs of four different faiths, to give you a glimpse into the beauty and comfort these traditions provide.

Catholic

In the Catholic Church, a vigil or wake at a church or funeral home often precedes the funeral itself. Those who attend offer prayers and condolences to the family. A priest leads the funeral mass, opening the service with an introductory rite or greeting. The priest recites prayers and delivers a sermon featuring personal stories about the person who died. Most services also include Holy Communion, music, and readings from the Bible. The mass is often formal in tone, and families are encouraged to select personal details like the music and readings.

Hindu

A Hindu funeral typically takes place within one to two days after the time of death. A Hindu priest

presides, hymns and mantras are recited, and loves ones participate in various death rituals, including making offerings to ancestors and gods. The body is then cremated and the cremated remains are usually scattered in a sacred body of water or another place of significance. Hindus believe that the soul has no beginning and no end and may pass to another reincarnation or become one with the Brahman, the divine force and ultimate reality.

Muslim

Muslims commonly believe that the good deeds in life yield entry into Paradise on the Day of Judgment, when the world will be destroyed. Until that day, those who have died remain in their tombs and either experience peace or suffering. Islamic law states the body should be buried as soon as possible after death, so funeral planning and preparations begin immediately. After a simple ritual involving bathing and shrouding the body, prayers are performed by members of the community, and the body is transported to the cemetery.

Buddhist

While funeral customs vary within Buddhist sects, a religious memorial service is typically held at a family home or a monastery. The service is designed to be simple, solemn, and dignified, with the casket or cremated remains placed at the front of the room. A nearby altar displays the deceased loved one’s portrait, an image of the Buddha, and offerings of candles, incense, flowers, and fruit. Members of the Buddhist community may preside over the service and deliver sermons or eulogies, with chanting led by monks or laypeople.

Whatever your faith tradition, remember that D.J. Wright and our team are here for you 24/7. We want you to know you are never alone. If you have questions, or are in need of grief support, give us a call, stop in to see us in Flemington, or fill out our online contact form. We genuinely care for families like yours and want to help any way we can.