Mourning Rituals: A Look At How Different Cultures Mourn

Articles and Advice

Mourning Rituals: A Look At How Different Cultures Mourn

Mourning rituals might vary across cultures and across countries, but feelings of grief and pain are universal. So is the need to honor and work through it. Mourning rituals for some cultures are a way of processing the difficult situation and moving past it, while others might incorporate these rituals into their lives for years and years to come.

Ultimately, mourning rituals are designed to bring people closer together, the living to one another, and the living to the dead. Through connections such as this, we find healing and a way to move forward through the grief.

Religious Mourning Rituals

Mourning rituals of different cultures are often tied to religious beliefs. Whether you consider yourself to be a person of faith or not, these different religious traditions represent grieving practices for countless individuals.

Jewish

In the Jewish tradition, the body is buried as quickly as possible out of respect. Following the burial, a meal consisting of eggs and other round things is eaten. The round items are meant to represent the symbols of hope and life and the full circle of life to death.

What follows are seven days of mourning known as Shiva. Friends and neighbors provide support to the family who stops all their day-to-day activities to fully immerse themselves in the mourning. Visitors can come and go anytime during the Shiva.

Buddhist

Buddhist traditions include a burial within a week of death, an open casket where guests are expected to bow to the deceased, and a visiting period only after the funeral, not before.

Muslim

Excessive show of mournful emotion like wailing and shrieking is highly discouraged during a Muslim funeral procession. The allowed mourning period usually is only three days; however, a grieving widow may have up to four months and ten days. Friends and family will often bring food to the family of the deceased to help during the time of mourning.

Hindu

Hindu funerals are held quickly after the death—within 24 hours. The body will usually be kept at the family home until the ceremonial cremation. Any flowers received as condolence gifts are placed at the feet of the deceased. Friends who come to visit after the funeral are recommended to bring fruit.

Christian

The body of the deceased is often available for viewing at the funeral home days before the funeral. Following the burial, it is customary for food to be given to the guests at the home of the family of the deceased. In many instances, such gatherings are lively and loud. This is not meant to be disrespectful but celebratory of the life of the deceased. Bringing meals to the family after the death is a common and welcome gesture.

Read Comforting Bible Verses

There are Bible verses about mourning the loss of a loved one you can turn to. In addition, you can find all kinds of verses and scriptures from other religions that could help you feel peace during a turbulent time. Take a look at the following:

Suggestions for Mourning Rituals

If you’re not religious, there are a lot of different ways you can participate in mourning that you can potentially find significant and useful. And even if you are religious, the following suggestions can make a difference in how you move through the grieving process.

Prepare the Deceased's Favorite Meal

Getting together for a meal that the deceased loved can be a healing thing. Not only are you sparking memories of that person, but you get to share in something they loved with others you love, such as friends or family who knew the deceased.

Burn Sage

Sage has been used for thousands of years by ancient cultures to cleanse and heal. When burned, it can have a calming and soothing effect. Try to incorporate it into your everyday life or make a ritual of burning it all on its own.

Plant a Tree in Their Honor

Planting a tree is a beautiful, commemorative way to honor someone who has passed on. You’re benefiting the environment, providing fresh oxygen and making the world greener, while also honoring their life.

Light a Candle

Repeatedly lighting a candle at the same time each day can be a great way to commemorate someone. You could consider lighting a candle with many others present and placing it on an altar—whether in your home or elsewhere—to stand as a sign of remembrance for that person.

Write a Love Letter

Sometimes death happens unexpectedly. Holding a gathering where everyone can write out their thoughts and the last things they would’ve said to someone can be a powerful way to honor them and remember them.

Create Art

Creating art can be a celebratory or commemorative experience. It’s also a useful healing tool for any mourners looking for ways to cope.

Wear Remembrance Jewelry

This can be something you do on your own, or you can host a group gathering where everyone shares their own item of remembrance, why it was significant to them, and how it reminds them of the deceased.

Feel Comfort and Experience the Mourning You Need with All California Cremation

Our talented team is trained to provide you with the highest quality cremation services available. We’re here for you during this and any difficult time whether the loss of a loved one comes unexpectedly or not. Get in touch with us today with any questions.