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 […]



Presbyterian Funeral Service Rituals

The Presbyterian Church was founded on the beliefs of John Calvin (1509-1564) who taught that a church should be a democracy under the authority of God. Historically, many differences led to various schisms that were overcome in 1983 when at least ten different denominations merged to form the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. As other […]


Mormon Funeral Funeral Service Rituals

Commonly known as the Mormon faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest religious group founded in America. As the name suggests, it is a restoration for modern (i.e., latter) times of the original Church of Jesus Christ which was lost in the Dark Ages. It is believed that God restored […]


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?


Lutheran Funeral Service Rituals

In the latter part of the 15th century, Martin Luther, a German, was one of many who objected to the Roman Catholic teaching that one is saved by faith and good works. In contrast, he believed in being saved by simply following Jesus. He also believed that the church should conduct services in the languages […]


Jewish Funeral Service Rituals

Jewish funeral service rituals and practices have traditionally followed a strong set of customs and beliefs which are based on the Torah. Although these beliefs remain important in the Orthodox and Conservative Jewish cultures, some of the traditional customs have been modified under Reform Judaism. The Jewish people hold the philosophy that one should embrace […]



Islamic Funeral Customs and Service Rituals

The word “Islam” means the “achievement of peace with Allah [God] and man, and complete resignation to Allah in thoughts, words, beliefs, and deeds.” Moslems, the followers of the Islamic religion, live by the Koran. The Koran teaches: There is one God, Allah. There is a day of judgment and a life after death. God […]


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