Preplanning a funeral service helps take the pressure off your family. Not only does it allow you to get specific about the details, but it also ensures that the proper paperwork is on file. Becoming familiar with the history of funerals may help you finalize your end-of-life plans. Take a closer look at the following guide to appreciate all that these gatherings have to offer. 

Origins

The Neanderthals were the first people to bury the dead. Graves that date back to 60,000 BC were found containing small gifts that depict a belief in the afterlife. These would often include a set of antlers, a hunting knife, or a bunch of flowers to aid them in their travels. When marking the area, people would pile up rocks or mounds of dirt to pinpoint where their loved ones were located. 

Ancient Egypt

As civilization continued to grow, so did the rituals for honoring the dead. Around 4,000 BC, the ancient Egyptians thought that embalming the body would better prepare it for the afterlife. The quality of the procedure would depend on the person’s place in society, with pharaohs receiving the highest honor of a custom sarcophagus. 

Once the embalming process was complete, family members and friends would carry the body down the street in a large funeral procession. This would end at the front of the tomb, where a priest would perform the funerary rites. A banquet would then be held in their honor following the burial. 

Modern Day

Nowadays, you have a variety of options to choose from when planning a funeral service. Traditional approaches usually include a ceremony that reflects the person’s beliefs and allows family members to attend the burial. 

Meanwhile, memorial services offer a little more flexibility. They allow loved ones to meet outside the cemetery and provide time for sharing. These can be at a religious building or at a spot that was particularly special to the deceased. 

If you’re thinking about preplanning your funeral services, reach out to Adzima Funeral Home of Stratford, CT. This family-owned funeral home has served the community for over four generations. They're compassionate in their approach and make themselves available 24/7 for your convenience. Call (203) 375-2200 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for additional information on their services.