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Funerals Updated: 17 Aug 2009

What's in a funeral?

A funeral can be anything you want it to be - you may even choose not to have one at all.

Modern funerals tend to be about the life of the deceased and often include stories and tributes. This can be done in any way you choose - such as using music, movement or symbols, or a performance or recital.

Some funerals may combine more traditional religious elements with aspects of modern funerals. Contemporary Chinese funerals often mix elements of Buddhism with secular practices to meet the cross-generational requests of different family members.

The changing role of the funeral director

During the nineteenth century, the role of the funeral director was principally that of coffin supplier and transport provider. The twentieth century saw the development of new funeral practices, such as embalming, and a new focus on meeting the psychological needs of the grieving family and friends.

Modern services offered by funeral directors are likely to include providing access to grief counselling, giving advice, arranging details of the service, and placing newspaper notices. Many funeral directors also offer specialised funeral venues and catering facilities - but these valued-added services can push up prices.

Some ethnic groups may not use the services of a funeral director. For example, Muslim communities prefer to prepare a body for burial in a special section of a mosque.