Funerals are one of humanity's oldest traditions, dating back thousands of years. These ceremonies offer a way for individuals to honour the deceased, grieve their loss and offer spiritual or emotional support for the afterlife journey.
However, funeral rites and customs vary widely across different religions, shaped by beliefs about death, the afterlife and the nature of the soul.
How Funerals Traditions Differ Around The World
In this blog I wanted to explore some little-known funeral traditions from various religious traditions all around the world, some you might know, some you may not but all help to highlight how different cultures understand and approach the final farewell.
Christianity - The Role of Pallbearers and the Symbolism of Flowers
Christian funerals are one of the most widely recognised, at least in the West, but some lesser-known customs reveal deeper layers of meaning.
The use of pallbearers, for example, dates back to early Christian practices. The word "pall" refers to a cloth, typically white, placed over the casket, symbolising the baptismal garment worn by Christians.
Pallbearers, who carry the casket, traditionally symbolise the final act of charity or service to the deceased, accompanying them on their last journey.
Another subtle tradition is the use of flowers at Christian funerals, which dates back to early Roman times.
While flowers today are often seen as a way to express condolences or decorate the ceremony, they originally held spiritual significance.
White lilies, for example, symbolise the resurrection of the soul and purity. This custom has evolved, but in many Christian communities, flowers still carry profound meaning related to hope, eternal life, and renewal.
Judaism: The Importance of a Simple Burial
Jewish funeral practices are rooted in humility and respect for the deceased.
One of the most important customs is that the body must be buried as soon as possible, often within 24 hours after death.
This swift burial emphasises the importance of honouring the body and avoiding any undue delay in returning the deceased to the earth.
A lesser-known practice is that in Judaism, the casket must be simple - traditionally made of wood, without metal nails or ornate decorations.
This practice reflects the belief in equality in death. No matter one’s wealth or social status in life, everyone is laid to rest in the same simple manner. The emphasis is on the soul's journey rather than material aspects.
Another interesting tradition is the act of shovelling dirt onto the casket by mourners. This act, known as Kever Avot, is considered a final act of kindness toward the deceased, ensuring their body is fully covered.
It also helps mourners confront the reality of death, which is a central theme in Jewish mourning practices.
Islam: The Spiritual Cleansing of the Deceased
In Islam, funeral practices are highly regulated and rooted in spiritual purification.
One of the central rituals is the ghusl or washing of the body. The deceased is washed three times (or more, if necessary) with water, and the process is conducted with great care by family members of the same gender or by trained volunteers from the community.
The washing is symbolic of spiritual purity, preparing the soul for the journey to the afterlife.
Another notable Islamic funeral tradition is the use of simple shrouds. After the washing, the body is wrapped in white shrouds known as the kafan.
There is no casket, and the body is placed directly in the ground, facing Mecca.
This simplicity reflects the Islamic belief that all are equal in death, and the body should return to the earth as quickly and naturally as possible.
Unlike many other religious customs, Islam emphasises quiet dignity over elaborate mourning.
Public displays of excessive grief are discouraged, as death is viewed as a natural part of life, and mourning should be tempered by trust in God's will.
Hinduism: The Fire of Liberation
Hindu funerals are deeply symbolic and tied to the concept of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
One of the most significant, yet lesser-known, aspects of Hindu funerals is the role of fire.
In most Hindu traditions, cremation is the preferred method of dealing with the deceased's body, as it represents the release of the soul from its earthly vessel.
The cremation fire, known as agni, is seen as a purifier that helps the soul sever its ties to the physical world. What many people don’t realise is that the eldest son, or a close male relative, is often responsible for lighting the funeral pyre.
This act is not just symbolic but deeply spiritual, as it signifies the transference of responsibilities and the soul's final journey toward the afterlife.
Interestingly, certain groups within Hinduism, such as sadhus (holy men) or very young children, are often not cremated.
Sadhus, having already renounced the material world, are typically buried instead of cremated, symbolising that they have already achieved moksha and have no need for the cleansing fire.
Buddhism: Chanting for the Dead
Buddhist funerals are a mix of simplicity and deeply meaningful rituals aimed at ensuring the peaceful passage of the deceased’s soul to the next life or, ultimately, toward nirvana - the state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
A lesser-known but essential aspect of Buddhist funerals is the emphasis on chanting.
Monks or family members may chant specific sutras or prayers to guide the deceased’s consciousness to a favourable rebirth.
One common chant is the Amitabha Sutra, which invokes the Buddha of Infinite Light and directs the deceased toward a blissful rebirth in the Pure Land, a paradise-like realm in Buddhist cosmology.
While many religions focus on mourning or grief, Buddhist funerals often have a calm and contemplative atmosphere.
The mourning period is an opportunity to reflect on the impermanence of life and meditate on the transient nature of existence.
Offerings of food, incense, and candles are made at the altar, symbolising respect for the deceased and the continuation of their spiritual journey.
Sikhism: The Funeral as a Celebration of Life
Sikh funeral traditions emphasise the soul's return to God and the celebration of life.
The funeral service, known as Antam Sanskar, is characterised by prayers, hymns and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book.
Interestingly, Sikhism discourages excessive mourning or elaborate displays of grief. Instead, Sikhs focus on the belief that death is a transition where the soul reunites with the Divine.
One lesser-known practice in Sikh funerals is the recitation of Kirtan Sohila, a nighttime prayer that is usually recited before going to sleep but takes on added significance in funeral rites.
It is believed to help guide the soul toward peace and eternal rest.
Funerals are seen as a time to reaffirm faith in God’s will, with the community offering comfort through shared meals and prayers at the gurdwara (Sikh temple).
7. Zoroastrianism: The Towers of Silence
Perhaps one of the most unique and lesser-known funeral traditions is found in Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. In Zoroastrianism, the elements - earth, water, fire, and air - are considered sacred and must not be polluted by dead bodies.
As a result, traditional Zoroastrians practice a form of excarnation in which the body is placed in a Dakhma, or Tower of Silence, a raised structure where the body is exposed to the elements and scavenging birds.
This method of sky burial allows the natural world to reclaim the body without contaminating the sacred elements.
The practice is rooted in the Zoroastrian belief that death is caused by evil, and the body, once dead, should not corrupt the purity of the earth or fire through burial or cremation.
Although this practice has declined due to urbanisation and legal restrictions, it remains a fascinating aspect of Zoroastrian funeral customs.
8. Baha’i: A 19th Century Faith with Modern Rituals
The Baha'i Faith, founded in the 19th century, has its own distinct funeral customs, many of which are lesser-known.
One unique aspect is the requirement that the body be buried within one hour’s travel from the place of death, signifying the faith's emphasis on unity with the land of one’s final moments.
Before burial, the body is washed and wrapped in a white shroud, and a special prayer, known as the Prayer for the Dead, is recited.
This prayer, considered one of the most powerful and sacred in the Baha'i Faith, focuses on the spiritual journey of the soul.
Unlike many religious traditions, Baha’is forbid cremation, as it is seen as contrary to the teachings of preserving the dignity of the human form.
The Final Words
Funerals offer an intimate window into a religion's views on life, death and the afterlife.
Though they may vary greatly, I think it's important to remember that they share a universal purpose: to provide a way for the living to honour the dead, seek closure and express hope for the deceased’s journey in the next life.
Whether through chanting, shrouding, or cremation, each tradition offers a reflection of the values and beliefs of its followers.
By understanding these little-known funeral customs, we gain a deeper appreciation of the rich diversity of something we all share, human spirituality human.
Thanks for taking the time to read my latest post, I hope you learned something. If I've got anything wrong, please let me know. If I've missed any that would be worth including, please let me know in the comments below and I can put together a sequel!
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