Carrying a coffin with the feet first helps keep it balanced and also means the deceased is being handled with great care. The funeral director will provide instructions on how to take the coffin.
It is traditional to carry a coffin so that the body travels feet first. If carrying into a crematorium the coffin must be placed feet first onto the catafalque (the platform on which it must be placed by the end of the ceremony). Many coffins are shaped, so the feet end is the more tapered end.
Traditionally, there are six pallbearers at a funeral, as there are usually six handles on a casket (three on each side), though there are often two handles on the front and back sides of a casket, allowing for eight pallbearers. Pallbearers are usually close family members and friends.
Once preparation is complete, the coffin is placed in the cremator feet first. What does the cremator consist of? There are slight variations between crematoria, but generally speaking there are two chambers and a cooling tray. The first chamber is where the cremation itself takes place.
Your funeral director will 'page' the hearse away from our premises – in other words they walk in front of the cortege, not only as a sign of respect, but also to keep the vehicles together in traffic. The same happens when they arrive at a home address, and again at the church or crematorium.
For open casket viewings family members are often given private time to view the body to allow them to grieve. Generally, you are not allowed to touch the body or make any comments about the person's appearance.
At the funeral
There's also some funeral service etiquette to follow on the day itself. For the funeral procession, the etiquette for who goes in funeral cars is usually immediate family after the hearse, followed by other family members and friends, then others who were important to your loved one.
It was just something that happened and I accepted that, as I am sure many others do. So why do Funeral Directors bow at coffins? Respect. The aim when working with any family is to show their loved one as much dignity and respect as possible.
The body does not feel pain during cremation because the person is no longer alive. When a person dies, their brain stops sending signals to the body. This means that the person cannot feel pain or any other sensation.
Are coffins sold back to the funeral director for re-use? No. The coffin and the body inside are cremated together. There are occasions where the deceased or the family of the deceased has opted for using a cardboard coffin in which their loved one will be cremated.
Traditionally, the order of family in a funeral procession is direct family immediately behind the hearse, followed by close family and friends. Then others who were important to your loved one might join the procession, like neighbours, carers or colleagues.
What Do Pallbearers Wear? Dark suits or dress clothes are often considered suitable clothing for pallbearers. At one time, it was customary for pallbearers to wear white gloves as a sign of respect and to protect the coffin or casket when it was moved.
If you are planning this aspect of the service, think about who you would want to handle the casket. Family members and close friends are common choices. Either men or women can be pallbearers as long as they are physically capable of doing so.
Funeral directors sometimes pull up the knees or shift the padding in the coffin to make sure the body fits. But the best solution is usually a longer casket, Whitaker said, adding: "Just being upfront and honest with the family is the best path to take."
As early as the 1700s, gloves were given to pallbearers by the deceased's family to handle the casket. They were a symbol of purity, and considered a symbol of respect and honor.
In most instances, men are pallbearers, so it seems like the norm. However, there is no cultural or religious customs stating that women can't serve as pallbearers. The only reason why they don't do this job is that they may not be strong enough to lift the casket, which can sometimes be quite heavy.
Preparing the Body for Cremation – The cremation provider will prep the body by removing all jewelry, pacemakers, or medical devices in order to prevent melting or explosions during the cremation process. Jewelry is returned to the family and medical devices are often recycled or returned to the family.
The average time for an adult cremation is 90 minutes at a temperature of between 800 and 1000 degree Celsius. On average from insertion to final cooling the cremation process may take up to four hours.
Does the skull burst during cremation? The skull does not burst during cremation. The skull will become fragile and crumble.
It is cleaned to remove traces of fluid or blood. The hair is washed. You complete the cause of death documentation and the body can be released for cremation or burial.
Funeral procession order
The officiant will usually lead the procession and pallbearers carrying the coffin tend to follow. Immediate family and close friends will often walk behind the coffin, followed by other guests.
So, why do caskets have pillows? Caskets have pillows for cosmetic purposes. Pillows make the body appear as comfortable and at peace as possible, with the intent of providing some semblance of peace during the funeral to friends and family members of the deceased.
The front rows are for the immediate family so sit nearer the back if you did not know the person very well. However, if there are few mourners present then sit nearer to the front. It does not matter which side of the 'aisle' you sit.
Legally, it is up to the deceased's executor or personal representative to make decisions about their funeral and burial, although executors often feel morally bound to follow the testator's wishes.
In general, if you're on good terms with your ex-spouse and ex-family, you should attend the funeral. You were a big part of your spouse's life at one time.