Historically, funerals have been considered religious occasions. However, due to evolving ethnic groups, traditions, and values, interest in conventional funerals is declining. Individuals now seek a blend of religious and secular ceremonies to personalize a celebration of life. With modern perspectives changing, shifting trends regarding religion and the funeral director must be addressed by the funeral industry.
Related: Religions in the United States – What Every Funeral Director Should Know
Overview of religion in the US
The US is home to many religions, with Christianity being the largest. The other top faiths are Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Approximately 70% of Americans identify as Christians, a downward movement from the 1990s when roughly 90% practiced Christianity. The swing occurs as adults move away from the religious beliefs their parents taught them. Instead, many opt to identify as non-religious, also known as “nones.”
Of the Christian faith, 33% are Protestants, 22% are Catholic, and 13% are Other Christians.
The demographics of religion in the United States
Various factors, including age, gender, education, political beliefs, and geographic location, contribute to individuals switching from religion to becoming religiously unaffiliated.
Gender
Gender appears to be affecting the shift in religion, according to Pew Research. “Americans who have moved away from Christianity are more likely to be men, while women are more likely to retain their Christian identity.” (Pew Research Center, September 13, 2022)
Politics
Another demographic area which affects religion is politics. “Despite the declining affiliation with organized religion, the influence of religion on American politics remains substantial.” (Aspen Institute, July 25, 2023)
For example, Republicans tend to have a favorable view of churches and religious organizations, seeing them as entities that contribute more positively than negatively to society. Among adults raised as Christians, 70% who are now unaffiliated view themselves as Democrats or Democratic-leaning, in contrast to 43% of those who remained Christian.
Interfaith marriages
Almost 20% of those surveyed by Pew Research who married after 2010 were in a partnership involving a Christian and a non-religious individual. In comparison, only 5% of those who married before 1960 fall into this category.
Understanding the impact of changing religious demographics on the funeral culture will enable funeral directors to shift from a one-size-fits-all to a more tailored service.
Christianity
Estimates suggest over 200 denominations of Christianity exist in the U.S., with Protestants, Catholics, Mormons, and Orthodox Christians being prominent. Each of these denominations has its unique funeral rituals.
Protestant funerals
- Protestant funerals are simple affairs.
- The casket is usually closed for the funeral service as Protestants generally have a visitation period before the funeral, allowing friends and family to pay their respects.
- An ordained minister typically leads the ceremony. It may also be conducted by another trained celebrant or family member.
- Protestants adopted cremation after World War One alongside burial.
Catholic funerals
- Catholic funerals tend to be an elaborate ceremony compared to Protestants.
- A priest generally leads a Catholic funeral.
- The casket is often open during the service for mourners to see the deceased, kiss the body, and say their goodbyes.
- Catholic services are generally longer and focused on rituals and tradition.
Buddhist funerals
Buddhists view death as a natural part of the life cycle, considering the body a vessel for the soul. Traditionally, the body is left undisturbed for three days. However, due to strict rules and regulations on corpse removal, it takes place approximately four hours after the last breath to allow time for the soul to leave the body.
Funeral services occur in a monastery, a Buddhist temple or at home. There are no formal guidelines, but monks will generally lead the service, which involves prayer, reading sermons, eulogies, and chanting. Buddhists can dispose of a dead body using the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Cremation is the most popular way. However, burial is acceptable.
Hindu funeral and rituals
Most Hindus believe in reincarnation. They view death as a transition where the body is no longer needed. Thus, cremation is the quickest method to free the soul for its next life. Cremation usually takes place within a day, and due to the speed of cremation, embalming is considered unnecessary.
Viewing happens almost immediately. A Hindu priest conducts the funeral rites, which involve hymns, chants, and mantras. Family members gather around the casket to join in the chant recitations.
The eldest son or closet male relative assumes the role of lead mourner at the cremation ceremony. Family members traditionally wear white, the Hindu color of grieving and a symbol of purity, cleanliness, and peace. The deceased’s casket is traditionally carried feet first into the crematorium to assist the soul’s transitioning.
Muslim funeral traditions
Islam is among one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States. A traditional funeral held in a mosque is a formal event that observes a series of customs. This ensures a peaceful transition for the dead to their final resting place. While mourners may express grief, it should be with decorum. Wailing is not permitted as it torments the soul.
There is no viewing or visitation as Islamic funeral customs require burial to take place as soon as possible to facilitate the soul’s release from the body.
Washing the body three times in a process known as Ghusl is part of the ritual cleansing and body preparation as required by religious customs. Adult family members wash the deceased in lukewarm water before being wrapped in several white cloth sheets, which serve as a shroud. Traditional body positioning places the left hand on the chest and the right on top.
Burial is the accepted way of body disposal, with cremation widely discouraged. The grave should be perpendicular to Mecca, positioning the body so the right side faces the Holy City.
Funeral practices in Judaism
Traditionally, Jewish funerals follow a set of customs and beliefs based on the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the most important book in Judaism.
When a Jewish person dies, funeral arrangements should begin immediately. Traditionally, it is forbidden to leave the deceased unburied overnight. However, in today’s modern world, arranging a burial that quickly is rarely feasible. Therefore, it should occur as soon as possible.
A volunteer-based group known as The Chevra Kadisha performs the ritual of Tahara, involving washing and preparing the body. As a sign of respect, the deceased is never left unattended. A member of The Chevra Kadish, whose services are available six days a week and around the clock, or a family member will stay by the deceased until burial.
In traditional Judaism, mourners will make a small tear in their clothing as a sign of grief. Today, many Jewish people might wear a black ribbon instead. The placement of the tear or ribbon signifies the relationship to the deceased, on the left for a parent and the right for other family members. Flowers are not generally considered appropriate at a Jewish funeral. Instead, family members welcome donations and Kosher food.
