Traditional funeral services are important to most families. The ethnic traditions in funeral service - East European family-Orthodox practiced by families is no different. Their religion is known as eastern orthodox and is an off shoot of Catholicism. Their funeral practices are very similar to those of the Catholic faith.
There are a few differences between Eastern Orthodox and the Catholic faith. One of the differences is their view on cremation. People who practice Eastern Orthodox believe that the body should be placed back into the earth. For this reason they use coffins and bury the bodies usually in cemeteries rather than cremate them.
Organ donation on the other hand is all right. It goes under helping people out even in death. In order to be an organ donor an eastern European would need to fill out an organ donor card in the presence of at least one witness. It is believed that the practice of helping others out in this way is referenced in the bible.
During the period of morning sets of three prayers are said. Each set is said at the different phases of death and then at burial. Prayers are normally said along with a death vigil. Doing this is to remove the soul from the body and help it along to the afterlife.
A funeral is held as is a wake. They have the funeral at a church, the wake at the home, and a small service that is graveside. Normally crosses, flowers and other gifts are given to the deceased's family members. Not giving a gift at this time is considered extremely rude and gifts of white flowers are especially good.
The Eastern European Orthodox religion will be happy to share any information that you want to know if you decide to do more research into it. Paying close attention to the different ideas and practices will help you understand it more. If you are planning a funeral there are guides and such to help you.
About the Author:
Get more details and information on how you can include a fabulous gravestone that will reflect your ethnic traditions today! The right tombstone will reflect your traditions for generations to come.