Funerals vs. Celebration Of Life
Funerals and celebrations of life share many similarities, though they often appear quite different in form. Both are ceremonial gatherings that bring together individuals united by a common loss. Traditional funerals are typically rooted in long-standing customs, while celebrations of life often reflect more recent shifts in social values. Despite these differences, both serve three essential purposes:
- Publicly acknowledge the death of a member of the family and community
- Surround the grieving family with the support of friends, colleagues, and neighbors
- Mark the transition of the deceased from one social role to another
While these ceremonies fulfill the same fundamental needs, they do so in distinct ways. To better understand these differences, it is helpful to first examine the structure and meaning of the traditional funeral service.
The Funeral
It is not surprising that funerals have existed for centuries. Traditionally composed of three distinct elements—the visitation, the funeral service, and the committal service held at the graveside—this structure is the form most commonly recognized in contemporary literature and film.
The Visitation
Held prior to the funeral—often the evening before, though sometimes on the same day—the visitation, also known as a viewing, provides an opportunity for family and friends to offer support and pay their respects to the deceased. This may include approaching the casket to view the body, either privately or in the presence of a member of the immediate family.
The Funeral Service
Commonly held at a funeral home or church, the traditional funeral service is led by an officiant, most often a member of the clergy or the funeral director. The service typically follows a familiar and structured order, which may include the singing of hymns, as well as invocations, Scripture readings, Bible recitations, and prayers led by the officiant.
The Committal Service
This portion of the service takes place at the cemetery following a slow and dignified automobile procession from the location of the funeral. The committal service concludes as the casketed remains are lowered into the ground and final prayers are offered.
If you would like to learn more about the history of funerals in the United States, you may wish to visit the website of the National Museum of Funeral History. For our purposes here, it is sufficient to understand that a traditional funeral service is generally composed of these three distinct elements. With that foundation in place, we can now turn our attention to the celebration of life service.
Celebrations of Life
Author Barbara Kingsolver wrote in The Poisonwood Bible, “To live is to be marked. To live is to change, to acquire the words of a story, and that is the only celebration we mortals really know.” This reflection captures the essence of a celebration of life. While a traditional funeral is often structured and guided by spiritual or ceremonial customs, a celebration of life focuses more fully on telling the story of the individual being remembered. Celebrations of life are designed to honor the unique personality, experiences, and accomplishments of the deceased. Rather than primarily marking a change in social status, these gatherings invite family and friends to reflect on what made the individual’s life meaningful and distinctive.
Celebrations of life share similarities with memorial services, which may be considered a hybrid format—combining the flexibility and personalization of a celebration of life with elements commonly found in a traditional funeral service.
There is often greater freedom and creativity in planning a celebration of life. Because these events are typically held after burial or cremation has taken place, families have more time to thoughtfully plan the gathering. This flexibility allows for more intentional choices about how best to honor and celebrate the life of someone deeply loved.
Are You Undecided? Turn to Us.
With years of experience listening to families, offering guidance, and helping shape meaningful tributes, we are well prepared to assist you in deciding between a traditional funeral service and a celebration of life. We will take the time to explore all available options with you, answering questions and discussing possibilities at a pace that feels right for your family.
In Chocolat, author Joanne Harris reflects, “Life is what you celebrate. All of it. Even its end.” As funeral professionals, we are honored to help families express reverence for life in ways that feel sincere and personal. We invite you to call our funeral home to speak with a member of our staff and begin the conversation.
Sources:
- Barbara Kingsolver, The Poisonwood Bible
- Joanne Harris, Chocolat
