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Tag: funeral etiquette

  • Unspoken Funeral Etiquette for Guests and Visitors

    Unspoken Funeral Etiquette for Guests and Visitors

    When it comes to conversations of life, the last taboo is considered death. People wouldn’t want to entertain the thought of death as it is associated with negative emotions such as grief, loss, and the untimely acceptance of people never coming back in life.

    However, if there’s one thing in life that is certain as taxes, it’s death. Because death is a certain aspect of life, it’s only a matter of time until a funeral happens. When this happens, what do people do to ease the pain of suffering of the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased?

    Here are common etiquettes funeral experts have compiled that people should follow:

    Share a Fond Memory Instead of Focusing on the Lonely

    People coming into the deceased’s house usually offer condolences in the form of saying, “my condolences to you and the entire family,” or “my thoughts/prayer with you.” However, if the conversation pushes through, it is best to reminisce the great memories shared with the departed to his family. In this manner, you leave them a piece of something they can be happy with instead of emphasizing the less.

    A Comforting Gesture Goes a Long Way

    It’s insensitive to say, “The pain will go away in no time,” or “he’s in a better place.” The golden rule to bear in mind is, what you don’t want to hear on your loved one’s funeral, you don’t say. Instead of saying these insensitive phrases, you can give them a hug, a comforting smile or a pause.

    Don’t Question Medical Causes

    It’s insensitive to question medical causes for the death of a person. In the first place, you visit a funeral to give your condolences and not to ask questions. At the same time, there’s no use mentioning or suggesting what could have been done to change the situation.

    Be Subtle and Simple

    A funeral is never a time for making fashion statements. The more traditional colors for mourning is grey, black, blue and dark violet. For some traditions, white is a considerable color. You can also opt for more outdoor-friendly ensembles as more funerals and more funerals are less conservative.

    Offer Tangible Help to the Bereaved Family

    If you are concerned with the overall wellness of the family, you can offer help to them as a means of comforting them. But, instead of saying empty promises just to please them, you can say, “I made everyone a meal,” or “I can fetch family members from the airport.”

    These are just some of the most common funeral etiquette people forget to do. By following our compilations above, you can send your sincerest condolences to the bereaved family.

     

    Photos: Pexels.com

  • Funeral Etiquette: What Not to Say to the Bereaved

    Funeral Etiquette: What Not to Say to the Bereaved

    It is never a great time when you lose someone. Especially if that person is very close to your family and your heart. When it comes to grieving, some people take time to wallow in their emotions. And, that’s okay. Loneliness and acceptance can only be achieved when a person embraces the truth about the loss.

    However, if you are visiting the family of the bereaved, there are some things that you must not say as a sign of respect. Be wary as you may cause the bereaved family members’ to feel hurt and angry towards you if you say something along the lines, we are about to mention.

    His Death Was Probably for the Best

    You’ll never know what the best for someone is, especially if you’re an outsider. No one wants to lose a loved one, saying this would only rip their hearts open for the untimely death. If only human beings are given a choice, death would never be an option. Be sensitive enough, and never say this remark.

    Everything Happens for a Reason

    What’s worse than being insensitive? Justifying someone’s death is. People wouldn’t want to entertain the thought of death. Just because everyone is doomed to leave this Earth, this doesn’t mean that there’s a more significant reason for it. At this time of grief, rationalization isn’t a great coping mechanism.

    At Least, He’ll No Longer Suffer

    Death is always unexpected. Although the person has been bedridden for a long time, their death will always be a lonely circumstance. If you think that death is an easy escape for one’s suffering, it is not. We can never tell if the person wanted to have their suffering end, or they still have the desire to push through in life.

    funeral etiquette

    I Know How You Feel

    You may have experienced the tragedy of a family loss, but it isn’t respectful to say that you feel the same way as them. Every person’s feelings are valid and unique. The best thing you can do at this moment is to offer a warm hug or a shoulder, especially when the bereaved is expressing her feelings.

    You Still Have Time for New Kids/Spouse/Family Member

    The last thing a bereaved person can think of is a replacement for who he lost. Every person that we encounter in this world is unique. Plus, the memories one spends with that person is invaluable. Suggesting the bereaved to have his spouse or kid replaced is a very disrespectful thing to say. After all, you can never replace a person when he’s gone.

    Now that we’ve discussed some of the most disrespectful things you can say to the bereaved let us always remember this life tip. If you think that you don’t have anything pleasant to say, the best thing you can do is keep mum. There are moments in life when a person needs comforting gestures like a hug, a shoulder, and a listening ear. Sometimes, words aren’t necessary to ease the pain one is feeling.