A Brief Overview of the History of Funerals

/ January 25, 2011

Death may be universal, but how it has been handled varies significantly from culture to culture. Below is a very small sampling:

Ancient Egypt

Funerals, or the rituals surrounding death, were at the heart of public life in ancient Egypt. The pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and King Tut’s tomb are all evidence of the importance placed on honoring the deceased. According to The History of Death: Burial Customs and Funeral Rites, from the Ancient World to Modern Times by Michael Kerrigan, the pyramids are the most obvious features of what were extensive funeral complexes, with temples where the dead would be received and paved procession-ways across which they would be carried to their resting place. Additionally, pharaohs’ funerals were grand occasions and the engine of the ancient Egyptian economy. The funerals began with a large procession involving priests, dignitaries, and family members as the body made its way down the Thebes River. A large feast was had where ritual dances were performed and prayers or spells were chanted. Finally, cooked meat and bread were placed around the body in the final resting place so that the soul would have food and drink after its rebirth.

Ancient Romans

In the History of Death, it is discussed how in ancient Rome, death was something to be kept at a distance, so the dead were banished safely beyond the realm of the living and cemeteries were established outside the city limits.

New Orleans Jazz Funerals

A unique funeral tradition in the United States occurs in New Orleans, Louisiana. The tradition arose from a combination of African spiritual practices, French musical traditions, and African-American cultural influences. A typical jazz funeral begins with a march by family, friends, and a jazz band, starting from the home, funeral home, or church, and proceeding to the cemetery. Throughout the march, the band plays very somber music. Once the final ceremony has taken place, the march proceeds from the cemetery to a gathering place, and the solemn music is replaced by loud, upbeat, raucous music and dancing where onlookers join in to celebrate the life of the deceased. See more details on Jazz Funerals here.

Norse Funerals

Now more commonly known as a “Viking burial”, during a Norse funeral, Viking chieftains were placed in ships after their death. The ships were then set on a course out to sea and set ablaze. Many Minnesota residents often ask if Viking burials are permitted within the state. Unfortunately for you die-hard Scandinavians, they are not permitted by Minnesota statute.