Licensed funeral director, embalmer, and life insurance agent. Life is just one long obituary. Avid fisherman, golfer, and poker player.
Today I'm going to go over vocabulary used in funeral service.
Understanding funeral types, merchandise, and the daily language I use will better serve you in the future. Let's dive in.
Casket:
Not to be confused with a coffin. A casket is a rectangular vessel (made of wood, metal and/or wicker/particle board) used for viewing the deceased and in burials. A coffin is what a vampire sleeps in.
Urn:
An enclosed container that holds cremated remains. Usually stands about 8 inches in height and 6 inches in diameter, with the cremated remains using up most of the urn. Usually weighs about 6-7 pounds when filled.
Outer Burial Container (Vault):
Usually, a cemetery requirement, as its main purpose is to hold (and protect) the casket and your loved one for burial. The vault will also stop the ground/earth from caving in around the casket. Can be sealed and made up of concrete, bronze, steel, and copper levels of protection.
Memorial Service:
The decedent is cremated first; and a gathering of friends and family is held after-the-fact. This is when personalization happens, with an urn present, pictures, flowers, favorite music being played, a collection of items spread throughout the church and/or funeral home. The deceased is memorialized in spirit and not in bodily form.
Committal Prayers:
Prayers said at the gravesite (for burial). Normally by an ordained Pastor, Priest or Life Celebrant. Lasts about 10-15 minutes. Bonus vocabulary: A Pastor is of Lutheran faith. A Priest is Catholic. A Life Celebrant is non-denominational, more open to sharing and celebrating a life lived.