Cross-Cultural Funeral Customs

Cross-Cultural Funeral Service Rituals

By LaVone V. Hazell, MS, FT, LFD For the past two decades, the traditional funeral rite has been in transition for various reasons: changes in social stratification due to a declining economy and shrinking resources; increased immigration to the United States; neo-local spread of the family to many geographic locations; increased demand for cremations; decline in religious practices and increased secular observances; and a shift from ancestral to contemporary funeral rites.


Funeral Trusts and Payable on Death Accounts

A trust is a good way to set aside money for your funeral costs. A Funeral Trust is created in connection with a contract for pre-arrangements with a funeral home or cemetery. That is when you are contracting in advance for funeral or burial services. Whereas a Payable on Death Account (POD) is one you […]


Funeral Topics A – Z

Topics A - D A Advance Directives African-American Funerals Alternative Funeral Providers Arranging a Funeral: What You Need to Do Ásatrú Funerals Asian Funeral Flower Customs


New Orleans Jazz Funeral Service Rituals

The tradition of the New Orleans jazz funeral has fallen away somewhat in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but has not been forgotten. Although the wild music and dancing has, historically, flown in the face of prevailing sentiments about the required solemnity of the traditional memorial service, the New Orleans jazz funeral grew throughout the 20th century to achieve its own respected standing among the many ways to commemorate the passage of a loved one.



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Funerals 101: Everything You Need to Know

Guide to Funeral Products, Services, and Providers Here you'll find comprehensive, unbiased information about funerals. It's where you can learn what you need to know to make smart choices in planning funerals, purchasing funeral products, and supporting friends in grief.


Prepaid Cremation Plans

September 2022 PREPAID CREMATION PLANSPrepaid cremation plans allow you to pay for cremation before you need it. In addition to the actual cremation, you can pay in advance for other elements, such as a memorial service or celebration of life. Prepaid plans are available for the full range of cremation services–from simple direct cremation (no […]


Knowledge Bank for Agents

Welcome to the Funeralwise for Agents Knowledge Base! The purpose of this space is to provide you with one location for helpful content, links, and resources. Keep this page handy for when you have a question, want to add to your toolbox, or simply learn something new. Of course, we’re always available if there’s something […]


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