Funeral Readings and Poems

Guide to Readings and Poems for Funeral Ceremonies

Whether you’re planning in advance or looking for the proper tribute for a loved one, here you will find suggested readings for numerous occasions and in a variety of forms and styles. A memorial reading can be chosen because it was a favorite, triggers memories of the deceased, pays tribute or helps family and friends communicate emotions.


Selecting Funeral Songs for Ceremonies

At any event, music sets a mood, encourages emotion and welcomes guests. A funeral is no different. During a funeral, music provides a background that invites mourners to mingle and comfort each other. Ideally, musical selections should:


Writing Eulogies

The eulogy is usually the most personal part of a funeral service because it acknowledges the uniqueness of the deceased and his or her meaning to others.


Why Should You Plan Ahead for a Funeral?

Funerals — Planning Ahead has Advantages Funeral Homes, cemeteries and other funeral service companies can help you arrange a funeral at any time -- even before there has been a death.


Buddhist Funeral Service Rituals

Note: Buddhist funeral customs vary between traditions or “schools” and even within schools, depending on the country—for example, Zen in Taiwan and Zen in Japan are different. The following information is generalized to fit many or most Buddhist traditions. If you have specific questions relating to Buddhist funeral customs for an individual sect, we recommend […]


Funeral Resources

Looking For More Funeral - Related Information? If you need more information on funeral planning, grief, customs, or other funeral-related issues, you can find more information in books, organizations and on other websites. We are happy to offer various sources of useful information organized in the following categories


A How-to Guide for Making Funeral Arrangements

What To Do When Someone Dies Here you can learn what to do if a friend or loved one has just died or if death is expected sometime soon. The following guides will take you through the steps of arranging a funeral from making the first call when someone dies to the various arrangements to be made following the funeral.


Funeral Customs by Religion, Ethnicity and Culture

Funeral Customs by Religion, Ethnicity and Culture Here you can learn what to expect when attending the funeral services of a different religion or culture. Information includes an overview of each group's beliefs concerning death and the afterlife. How they regard grief and unique aspects of their funeral ceremonies and customs are also discussed.


Mexican American Funeral Service Rituals

Since the earliest stages of Mexican culture, Mexicans have embraced death as a part of life. The Mayans and Aztecs were both warriors who practiced human sacrifice — which shows a casual acceptance of death. Combine this ancient belief with the Catholicism that missionaries brought to their country and funeral attendees will see a relaxed, yet deeply religious regard for death.


Methodist Funeral Service Rituals

Quick Reference Length of Service Depends Flowers? Yes Food? Yes Dress Code? (Men/Women) Dark & Somber / Men: Jacket & Tie Recording Devices?


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