China Caskets

Since 1908, when America saw its greatest influx of immigrants, the United States has served as a refuge for those seeking to live the American dream. Today, the United States is experiencing a second great wave of immigration, immigrants from the developing world still in Asia and Latin America make their home. As towns and cities become increasingly multicultural, it is essential for funeral service providers to be aware of the role religion plays in the funeral services of the inhabitants of the communities they serve. The following is an overview of the rites and beliefs of many cultures that are increasingly part of the fabric of America, in the hope that it will provide a degree of understanding for funeral service professionals who are called to take care of them. It should be noted, however, that certain of these customs are not always applicable in certain areas, and funeral directors should consult with religious leaders of different groups to become familiar with their specific needs.

Religion And Clothing

In the U.S., the custom for most funerals of spectators to wear black, because it means mourning or death. However, in many religions, black is not the traditional color of mourning. Buddhists, for example, wear white loose clothes, as mourners are expected to think at the ceremony. Followers of the Greek Orthodox mourning expected to wear blue to signify death, and the wife of the deceased should wear black clothing for up to two years after the death of a spouse to signify mourning. In Islamic funeral services, women are expected to cover their heads and arms are not allowed to sit near men. Followers of Judaism believe that mourners should also be covered. Jewish men should wear a kippa or yarmulke. Apparel differences are not the only factors funeral providers should be aware. Many religions also have different views on how long the body should take place before the burial.

Life After Death

The Hmong, an ethnic group originating in China, Thailand and Laos, believing that the funeral is expected to last three days. Burial is the most important part of Hmong culture and must be performed correctly for life after the death of prosperity for the deceased. Family members play a key role in helping to prepare the body for burial and adorn it with food, wine, clothing and money to protect the deceased's soul from evil spirits such as trips to the other world. The followers of the Baha'i religion must be buried within one hour of travel from the place where the death occurred. The most striking differences in the various religions can be seen in the traditions that are made during the funeral service.

Religion & Funeral Services

In Buddhist ceremonies, the guests are expected to see the body and offer a small knot at the casket to honor the deceased. The funeral ceremony includes chanting and individual offerings of incense. Although rituals may vary according to the traditions of a particular sect, Jewish funeral services are performed by a rabbi and generally need a closed coffin. Additionally, mourners are not permitted to enter during the recession, processions or reading eulogies during the services. After the services, the body is taken to the grave for burial. The immediate family then recites the Kaddish, the prayer of God and his relationship with the mourners. Others present recite the limited responses. After prayers, each person places a shovel of earth on the coffin. Scientologists, on the other hand, does not believe in the concept of funerals because they believe that the deceased did not die but simply moved to another level of life. In RESU.