Funeral customs by faith and culture

For families arranging a funeral and for guests attending one: the timing, how the body is cared for, the service, mourning, and the questions to ask a funeral home. Every family is different, so treat these as a starting point and ask the family or clergy.

• Jewish funeral customsBurial soon after death, a simple coffin, then shiva at home.
• Muslim funeral customsWashing and shrouding, the janazah prayer, and burial, ideally within a day.
• Hindu funeral customsCremation soon after death, ashes to a sacred river, about 13 days of mourning.
• Buddhist funeral customsA funeral, then memorial services in cycles of seven days up to the 49th day.
• Catholic funeral customsA vigil, the funeral Mass and the burial. Cremation is allowed, with rules for the ashes.
• Orthodox Christian funeral customsThe Trisagion prayers, an open casket, burial, and a memorial at 40 days.