Early Funeral Traditions

Keep reading to learn about some of the earliest funeral traditions.   

Early primitive people decorated coffins and grave sites with natural things like sprigs of fern and animal antlers. It was seen as the ultimate sign of respect. There was an idea that the soul carried physical items with them to the afterlife. If you wanted your loved one to be well-prepared after death, you needed to load their tomb with useful items.   

As culture evolved, the items left with the deceased became fancier. Instead of simple animal skins and parts, people began to leave clothing and jewelry. The richer the deceased, the more that was left behind.  

In the 19th and 18th-century, Westerners often chose to remember the deceased with a ring. The rings would be worn by people who were particularly close to the deceased. They were usually engraved with a special message. Sometimes they included a lock of the departed’s hair. Because the rings were very expensive, people occasionally left money in their will for them.   

In some parts of the world, funerals used to be completely silent. There was no sermon or memorial service. Instead, guests sat in silence. They would sometimes attach written eulogies to the coffin. These would be collected and published a few days later.   

Silent funerals fell out of popularity because people felt too constrained. People wanted to be free to express their grief.   

Alcohol has been included in funerals for a very long time. It’s always been rude to become trashed during the service. You shouldn’t call attention to yourself in any way. But many mourners throughout time have found that alcohol helped get through the funeral process. It’s naturally a very difficult process. During early Western funerals, alcohol was often served during the actual service.   

Going to a funeral is often an excuse to wear your best clothing. Early American colonists would dress in their greatest gear for every memorial service. For one thing, funeral services are often held in a church. It’s expected that you will look nice in church. Also, a funeral is a social gathering. WIthout the internet and social media, it’s much harder to keep in contact with your relatives. In an early funeral, you’ll often see people who you haven’t spoken to for a long time. You want to make a good impression on them.   

When you’re ready to plan your loved one’s funeral, it’s time to visit Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory. We’re the best funeral homes Pennsburg, PA you can find. We’re located at 163 Main St, Pennsburg, PA, 18073. You can call us at (215) 679-5933.