What your faith may ask.
Every tradition has its own way of saying goodbye. Tap one to read what it usually asks.
About 2 minutes to read
CatholicBurial is preferred, and cremation is permitted.
Many families hold a vigil the evening before, then a funeral Mass and a committal at the cemetery. If you choose cremation, the Church asks that the ashes be kept together and laid to rest in a cemetery or other sacred place, rather than scattered or kept at home.
ChristianBurial or cremation, as you prefer.
Protestant, evangelical and non-denominational churches accept either. The service can be held at your church or the funeral home, and your own pastor can lead it.
Orthodox ChristianBurial, after a funeral led by the priest.
Prayers are often said at the visitation, followed by the funeral in church and burial. The Church does not permit cremation. A memorial service is often held forty days later.
JewishA simple burial, soon after death.
Tradition asks for burial quickly, often within a day or two, in a plain wood casket, without embalming. Many families observe shiva at home for the days after. Many Reform families accept cremation.
MuslimBurial as soon as possible.
The body is washed and shrouded, as tradition asks, and the janazah prayer is offered before burial, with the body facing the qibla. Islam does not permit cremation, and embalming is avoided unless the law requires it.
HinduCremation, with family at the last rites.
Cremation usually happens soon after death, with family taking part in the last rites. The ashes are later placed in flowing water, sometimes in India, and a period of mourning follows.
BuddhistCremation is most common, and burial is accepted.
Services often include chanting by monks or a teacher, and some families observe prayers for forty-nine days. Customs differ a great deal by temple and tradition.
SikhCremation, with prayers and hymns.
Family and friends gather for prayers and hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, and cremation follows. The ashes are placed in flowing water, and the scripture is often read in full in the days after.
Not religiousWhatever feels right to you.
There are no rules to follow. A celebrant, a friend or family can lead the service, wherever and whenever you'd like.
Customs differ within every faith. Your own clergy or community is the best guide to what yours asks.
Plan with your faith in mind.
The planner begins with your tradition, and teaches before you choose.