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So, here I go off on one of my "regional differences" threads. Seeing all these recent celebrity deaths and today's Dear Abby column has me wondering about regional funeral traditions. Reading Dear Abby today made me realize that funeral customs vary greatly across our county. Something that I consider to be very rude here is apparently normal in other regions. So, I'll tell you how things work here and then I'm very curious how things work in your neck of the woods.
Here in the Dutch part of West Michigan, the family will have a private viewing shortly before the visitation begin. Then there will be visitation day at the funeral home about three or four days following the death. The day will consist of two two-three hour visitations, separated by a meal/rest time. During these few hours, the family will receive guests (neighbors, coworkers, friends) offering condolences and sympathy. The body may or may not be on display.
Then a day later, the funeral will be held, either in the funeral home or in a church. The body is usually on display with the family closing the casket in a quick private manner prior to the beginning of the service. The funeral generally tends to be only for family and very close acquaintances, unless it was particularly public tragedy, like a police officer or firefighter. No funeral procession, in fact, I have only seen one in my entire life, and it was far from home. The funeral home usually quietly take the casket for burial. A small luncheon at the funeral home or church may follow the service.
Now, what about you? I know it's morbid, but I am curious. In Dear Abby today, a woman was upset because there was no family present at the visitation she attended for a friend's son. Here, that is unheard of. But it seems it is very common in other areas where the visitation is only for those who will miss the funeral, to which anyone and everyone is welcome. How are things done in your area?
Here in the Dutch part of West Michigan, the family will have a private viewing shortly before the visitation begin. Then there will be visitation day at the funeral home about three or four days following the death. The day will consist of two two-three hour visitations, separated by a meal/rest time. During these few hours, the family will receive guests (neighbors, coworkers, friends) offering condolences and sympathy. The body may or may not be on display.
Then a day later, the funeral will be held, either in the funeral home or in a church. The body is usually on display with the family closing the casket in a quick private manner prior to the beginning of the service. The funeral generally tends to be only for family and very close acquaintances, unless it was particularly public tragedy, like a police officer or firefighter. No funeral procession, in fact, I have only seen one in my entire life, and it was far from home. The funeral home usually quietly take the casket for burial. A small luncheon at the funeral home or church may follow the service.
Now, what about you? I know it's morbid, but I am curious. In Dear Abby today, a woman was upset because there was no family present at the visitation she attended for a friend's son. Here, that is unheard of. But it seems it is very common in other areas where the visitation is only for those who will miss the funeral, to which anyone and everyone is welcome. How are things done in your area?
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