The Hispanic community has its own unique funeral traditions that any reputable funeral home in Bronx, NY should know. While there is a large Hispanic community in New York, they don’t all have the same funeral traditions. But they generally view death as part of life, so they often start the funeral process before a person dies. A priest visits the ailing person for a confession and communal service after which the priest blessed them. Here are other activities that happen at a Hispanic traditional funeral.
Hispanic Funeral Customs
Family and friends conduct customs that are meant to honor their dead loved ones. They gather to share food and talk about their experiences with their loved ones. They spend a total of 3 to 4 days holding services and vigils to honor the memory of their loved one. Part of Hispanic customs, especially among Latino communities, includes the family washing, dressing, and preparing for their loved ones. A funeral home can do all the body prepare for the family. Most Hispanic communities also decorate their loved one’s casket with rosaries, photos, jewelry, and pictures of the Virgin Mary.
Funerals Often Start With A Wake
Many Hispanic communities belong to the Roman Catholic faith, which means that their funeral rituals are heavily influenced by Catholic tradition. A wake is an opportunity for the family and close friends of the deceased to gather and pay their last respects to their loved ones. This event happens after the body of the deceased has been prepared for burial. The body is often displayed in an open casket so that everyone attending can view the body one last time.
Prayers, Blessings, Eulogies, And Sermons
The wake is not just a somber event but also a social gathering where attendees hold conversations about good times with their loved one and share good memories of the deceased. Guests eat and play dominoes and cards while comforting each other. Everyone comes with flowers and candles are lit. The priest says prayers and allows family members to read from the scripture. There are also sermons, eulogies and sermons included in a wake.
The Funeral Service
Hispanic communities hold funeral services in the Church. The whole event is an elaborate Catholic Mass dedicated to the passed loved one. Just like in the wake, the casket is often present in the church with various decorations surrounding it at the altar. There are sermons and readings from scripture. The whole event can last for up to 3 to 4 hours before the burial.
Hispanic Burial Ceremonies
The family and friends listen to music at the grave site and then the priest offers his blessings as the casket is lowered into the grave. There could also be food and drinks provided to the guests during the event. Sometimes the body is returned to the homeland of the deceased if the deceased wishes to be buried with family members back home.
We provide funeral and cremation services in the Bronx, NY for Hispanic families and for people of the Roman Catholic faith.