Americans acknowledge death in a variety of ways. because of the rich ethnic, sociological, and religious diversity of our nation, there is really no common funeral ritual. Some traditions have blended, some have evolved, and others have remained virtually unchanged as they serve the needs of people.

Common Funeral Components
A funeral typically consists of a visitation ("wake," "calling hours"), funeral service, and committal. The event spans two to several days, depending upon travel time of family, religious, ethnic, or other considerations.

"Grieving alone is much more painful"
Family and friends come together at the funeral home into presence of the deceased to share memories, express grief, and support each other. many people find this is a time of comfort and the beginning of the resolution of grief. When cremation is the final disposition, the body may or may not be present for the visitation. The funeral series is almost always religious and is meant to fill the spiritual needs of mourners by focusing upon God. It is a public ceremony and may include music, readings, sermon, or homily and a tribute from family and friends.

To resolve grief, we grieve.
It is interesting that, almost without exception, all societies throughout recorded history have observed several common funeral traditions in one form or another. They are: friends and family gather together in the presence of the deceased, and ceremony is held, and it is almost always spiritual in content, food is shared, flowers are given, and the deceased is transported to the final place of disposition with care and dignity.