Learning About The Eulogy and Funeral Tributes

Posted on: Aug 29, 2019 Publish By: funerallink

The most important component of a funeral is the eulogy. It is made to highlight the life experiences of the loved one. It is not a breeze writing and delivering this speech, but it has to be done in honor and respect of the departed.

But, what is a eulogy and who should make them?

Wikipedia defines a eulogy as “…a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, especially one who recently died or retired or as a term of endearment. Eulogies may be given as part of funeral services.” The Oxford dictionary translates it from “late Middle English (in the sense ‘high praise’): from medieval Latin eulogium, eulogia (from Greek eulogia ‘praise’), apparently influenced by Latin elogium ‘inscription on a tomb’ (from Greek elegia ‘elegy’).”

According to WhiteLadyFunerals.com.au “it can be delivered by a family member, close friend, priest, minister or celebrant and it commemorates and celebrates the life of the deceased.” This is one of those most vulnerable moments in funeral service but at the same time the most special. Families stand side by side in front of the coffin, speaking about and recalling the wonderful life of the departed in front of everybody. All the praises and honor in the final farewell. It is one the best and last gift one can give to a loved one, and a beginning to move on.

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Other than the eulogy, a tribute also highlights a person’s life. When words are not easy to come by, a tribute can help so much. Here are some funeral tribute ideas:

Memorial Slideshow and Playlist – A collage of pictures and/or videos together with some of the favorite songs. This can be a group effort. Friends can contribute to the pictures and video which the direct family hasn’t seen or heard about.
Colour Theme (Or Pre-Chosen Costumes) – An all black or all white theme is very popular for a funeral. But there are a lot of viral videos on the internet now, where family and friends wear outfits pre-chosen and agreed upon by everybody, like the popular Star Wars theme funeral.
Journal and Guestbook – This allows everybody to write simple and short notes and stories to the departed for the family to read after the funeral.
Memorial Candle, Flowers or Balloons/Paper Lanterns – These are handed to all the guests during the service and a family member gives specific instructions to light the candles or spreads the flowers or light lanterns at the same time.

Although the world is suffering a bit of a disconnect nowadays, when children choose to greet their parents on social media instead of vocally telling them, expressing hugs and celebrations through emojis instead of being physically present, nobody can escape the task of speaking in a funeral. Some call this the last goodbyes, but most speeches are of regrets caused by showing less.

Photo credit: Pixabay, Freepix