Funerals and Burial Customs

We look at some of the funerals and burial customs of the past and present.

More Culture Topics to Explore

Henna Tattoos: The History of an Ancient Art

DNA Tattoos: I’ve Got You Into My Skin

The History of Makeup Is Surprisingly Elitist

The Legacy of African American Spirituals in Today's Gospel and Blues Music

What's So American About Apple Pie?

Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Cozily

What Does It Mean to 'Take It With a Grain of Salt'?

How to Talk to Your Friends About Race and Remain Friends

Call it Arroba, Kukac or Strudel: The History of the @ Sign

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia! You Know the Jingle, Now Hear the Chia Pet Story

Has Guinness World Records Set Any World Records?

The Stories Behind the Electric Slide, the Moonwalk and Other Epic Dance Moves

5 Summertime Family Traditions

5 Family Traditions for New Babies

5 Family Anniversary Traditions

The Legend of the Mysterious Night Marchers of Hawaii

10 People With Incredibly Bad Luck

Conspiracy Theories and Creationism Depend on the Same Backward Logic

Having a Cherokee Ancestor Doesn’t Necessarily Make You Cherokee Too

For White Nationalists, Genetic Ancestry Tests Challenge Concepts of Identity and Purity

Ancient Mummy DNA Reveals Surprises About Egyptian Ancestry

How the Millennial Generation Works

Millennials Are Making Birthday Cards a Thing Again

Nope, Boomers and Xers Don’t Work Harder Than Millennials

There's a Pooping Man in the Catalan Nativity Scene

10 Ways to Liven Up Your White Elephant Gift Exchange

6 Wild and Wacky Takes on the Advent Calendar

How the Pledge of Allegiance Went from Marketing Ploy to Classroom Staple

The History and Symbolism of the U.S. Presidential Seal

Nameless But Never Forgotten: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

There's More Than One Way to Be Monogamous

Hey Dad! The Famous Fathers Quiz

The Angel of Death Has One Job, and He Does It Well

10 Big Questions About Hinduism, Answered

What Is a Shaman and Can Anyone Become One?

What's the Difference Between a Samurai and a Ninja?

The Bizarre, Brazen Life of Cultist Aleister Crowley

How One Woman Unexpectedly Became the Voice of Siri

There's a Healthier Way to Consume Your Media

We Love What John Oliver Just Said About Science

Learn More

How Obituaries Went from Dry Death Notices to Tributes to Truth

Obituaries do more than just let the world know someone died. It's a chance to pay tribute to someone, advocate for a cause or even settle a score.

By Dave Roos Dec 3, 2019 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

Military Funerals Give Service Members and Families One Final Salute

Military funeral honors, involving a flag presentation and the playing of taps, can be very meaningful to the families of loved ones who served in the U.S. military. Who is eligible and how do you request these honors?

By Dave Roos Nov 11, 2019 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

Ghana's Fantasy Coffins Are to Die For

Many Ghanians honor their dead by burying them in vibrant works of art made by skillful master carpenters. These fantasy coffins are shaped like everything from elaborate fish and lions to limos and even sneakers.

By Mark Mancini Oct 29, 2019 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

'Scatter Days' Get Uncle Joe's Ashes Out of the Closet

Several crematoriums around the U.S. are holding days when people may scatter ashes of loved ones on the grounds of the funeral home – or otherwise dispose of them – for free.

By Nathan Chandler Oct 14, 2019 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

Do You Have to Pull Over for a Funeral Procession?

Few rules on funeral procession are enshrined in law; most are just customs. But that doesn't mean you should break them.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Jun 24, 2019 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

Funerals Have Changed Since the 1960s. Here's How

A tombstone that features the deceased hobbies? Sure. A personalized playlist playing during the celebration of life? Check. Yep, the business of death isn't quite so gloomy anymore.

By Adina Solomon Dec 5, 2018 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

State-funded Funerals: What Happens to the Unclaimed Dead?

Cities have protocols for making sure everyone — even the nameless — has an eternal resting place.

By Adina Solomon Feb 22, 2018 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

Flameless Cremation Provides Alternative to Burial

More people are opting for cremation over traditional burials and in some states they can choose a water cremation.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Oct 30, 2017 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

Can You Bury Someone in Your Backyard?

Depending on which state you live in, you may be able to bury your loved ones in your garden. But there are some things to think about.

By Dave Roos Mar 17, 2017 Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs

10 Muslim Funeral Traditions

Coping with the loss of a friend or family member is difficult, no matter what your faith. All religions have funeral rites and traditions for dealing with death, and Islam is no different. What are some Muslim funeral traditions?

By Becky Striepe Culture & Traditions / Funerals and Burial Customs