Religious considerations

Buddhists believe that nothing that exists is permanent and everything will ultimately cease to be.

There is a belief in rebirth but not of a soul passing from one body to another.

Buddhists try to approach death with great calmness, and an open-minded attitude of acceptance.

There are few formal traditions relating to funerals and they tend to be seen as non-religious events.

Cremation is the generally accepted practice and the service is kept very simple.

Christians believe that there is just one God and that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.

Christians believe in an afterlife and also the idea of resurrection but the details around what actually happens at the time of death and afterwards varies within the different denominations.

When someone dies, the body is taken to an undertaker who will carry out the necessary preparations for the body to be laid out.

The funeral, organised by an undertaker, is usually about one week after the death. This usually takes place in a church, but sometimes a crematorium, or a combination of the two.

The body will either be buried or cremated, dependent on the wishes of the deceased and the family.

Hindus believe in reincarnation and a cycle of rebirths. When a person dies, the soul is reborn in a new body, returning to earth in either a better or worse form.

A Hindu funeral is as much a celebration as a remembrance service. Hindus cremate their dead, as it is the soul that has importance, not the body which is no longer needed.

White is the traditional colour and mourners usually wear traditional Indian garments. If you are attending the funeral, it may be worth asking what will be appropriate dress.

Humanists are non-religious. They follow the principle that this life is the only one we have and therefore when you are dead there is no moving on to another one.

The focus of a Humanist funeral is on celebrating the life of the deceased; stories are shared and memories recalled and their favourite music may be played. This is done by friends and family who are supported by an Officiant.

The ceremony, usually a cremation, will be tailored to meet the family’s wishes rather than following a set pattern.

Muslims believe in life after death when, on the Last Day, the dead will come back to life to be judged by Allah.

Devout Muslims believe that death is a part of Allah’s plan and open expressions of grief may be viewed as disrespectful to this belief.

As cremation is forbidden, Muslims are always buried, ideally within 24 hours of the death.

Muslim graves are unmarked, but to meet UK requirements, a simple headstone is used as a compromise.

In the Jewish religion, death is not seen as a tragedy but as a natural process and as part of God’s plan.

According to Jewish law, it is believed that the body should be interred as soon as is practical after the death, which means that funeral planning begins immediately.

It is believed that when a Jewish person dies, their body should not be left unattended. The rabbi or the funeral home can help coordinate a shomer (guardian) who can stay with the body.

Open caskets are forbidden and bodies are buried not cremated.

Sikhs believe the soul goes through a cycle of rebirths, with the ultimate objective being to reach perfection, to be reunited with God.

Death holds no fear and mourning is done discretely.

The deceased is cremated as soon as possible after death. The coffin is taken to the family home where it is left open for friends and family to pay their respects.

After the funeral, a meal may be held at the Gurdwara.

The ashes may be taken back to India to be scattered. In the UK they may be sprinkled in the sea or a river.