Canadian After Death Rituals
As Canada is a multicultural country, a variety of funeral and burial traditions are mixed together throughout the country. People of different religions practice their rituals in Canada as they did in their land of origin, and this is especially true with funeral rites.
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Catholic and Orthodox Rituals
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Many funeral rituals are common to both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. In Canada, these religious services take place in a church. The casket is usually covered (Catholics) or open (Orthodox Christians), and in both religions it is surrounded by flowers sent by family members or friends. The Catholic Church encourages burial, but does not forbid cremation as the Orthodox Church does.
Buddhist and Hindu Rituals
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In both Buddhist and Hindu religions, funeral services are held the evening preceding the burial. During this time people visit the family of the deceased and offer their condolences. Family members are dressed in white, the color of mourning in these religions, while friends and acquaintances wear black or dark colors.
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Judaic and Islamic Rituals
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Jewish and Islamic funerals take place a very short time after death, if not on the same day. Embalming is considered disrespectful (Judaism). Cremation, an increasingly growing practice in Canada, is forbidden, especially for Sunni Muslims who bury their dead facing Mecca. No gifts or flowers are allowed at these religions services.
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References
- Photo Credit Copp's Hill Burial Ground image by Charlie Rosenberg from Fotolia.com
