Funeral Term Glossary

Funeral: A ceremony or service held in honour of a deceased person, often involving religious or cultural rituals.

Cremation: The process of reducing a deceased person's body to ashes and bone fragments through exposure to high temperatures.

Burial: The act of placing a deceased person's body in a grave, tomb, or other designated location, typically in a casket or coffin.

Casket/Coffin: A box or container, usually made of wood or metal, used to hold the deceased person's body for burial.

Casket Spray: A casket spray is a floral arrangement designed to be displayed on the lid of a casket during funeral services.

Church Truck: A church truck is a wheeled cart used to transport caskets or coffins during funeral services.

Crematorium: A crematorium is a facility where deceased persons' bodies are cremated as an alternative to burial.

Embalming: A preservation process that involves injecting chemicals into a deceased person's body to delay decomposition and maintain a life-like appearance.

Eulogy: A speech or written tribute, typically delivered during a funeral service, praising and commemorating the deceased.

Wake/Viewing: A gathering held before the funeral, where family and friends can pay their respects and view the deceased's body.

Urn: A container, often made of metal, ceramic, or wood, used to hold a person's ashes after cremation.

Grave Marker/Headstone: A stone or plaque placed at the head of a grave, displaying the deceased's name, dates of birth and death, and sometimes an epitaph or other inscription.

Burial Vault/Grave Liner: A protective outer container, usually made of concrete or metal, placed in the grave to prevent soil collapse and maintain the integrity of the gravesite.

Obituary: A written notice of a person's death, often published in newspapers or online, which typically includes a brief biography and information about the funeral service.

Pallbearer: A person, usually a close friend or family member, who helps carry the casket during a funeral procession.

Funeral Director: A professional who plans and oversees funeral services, assists with paperwork, and coordinates with the cemetery or crematorium.

Funeral Procession: A solemn procession of vehicles or people accompanying the deceased's body from the funeral service to the burial or cremation site.

Mortuary: A facility where deceased bodies are stored and prepared for funeral services, including embalming and dressing.

Columbarium: A structure with small compartments, called niches, designed to hold urns containing cremated remains.

Green Burial: An eco-friendly burial method that avoids embalming chemicals, uses biodegradable caskets, and minimizes environmental impact.

Memorial Service: A ceremony held in remembrance of a deceased person, typically without the presence of the body or ashes.

Visitation: A scheduled time before the funeral service when family and friends can gather to offer condolences and support.

Repast: A meal or gathering held after the funeral service, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and share memories of the deceased.

Bereavement: The period of mourning and grief following the death of a loved one.

Shiva: A seven-day Jewish mourning period observed by the immediate family members of the deceased, typically held at the family's home.

Condolence: An expression of sympathy and support offered to the bereaved during their time of loss.

Interment: The act of placing the deceased's body or cremated remains in their final resting place, such as a grave or columbarium.

Epitaph: A brief inscription on a headstone or memorial, often including a quote, poem, or sentiment about the deceased.

Mausoleum: A building designed to house multiple above-ground burial spaces, often for a family or a group of individuals.

Death Certificate: An official document, issued by the government, that confirms the date, location, and cause of a person's death.

Memorial Donation: A charitable contribution made in honor of a deceased person, often in lieu of sending flowers or other tributes.

Grieving: The emotional process of coping with the loss of a loved one, which can include feelings of sadness, anger, denial, and acceptance.

Funeral Flowers: Floral arrangements or wreaths, often sent by friends or relatives, to express condolences and honour the deceased during the funeral service.

Funeral Program: A printed document outlining the order of events for a funeral or memorial service, often including the deceased's biography, photographs, and a list of participants.

Committal Service: A brief ceremony held at the gravesite, crematorium, or columbarium before the interment or inurnment of the deceased's remains.

 


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