Thats because they are considered to be impure spiritually during the mourning period. Surely, a card or note to the mother would be welcomed as well. Making a phone call or a visit can mean a lot during such times. That being said, our approach to the bereaved cannot be generalised beyond a point; each situation is unique, as is each family. Bereavement support organisations for all faiths, Useful bereavement resources for health and care professionals, Useful Good Thinking bereavement resources for all faiths. Otherwise, if they show and express sorrow, guests will offer words to help them accept what has happened to move forward. Visiting in Person | Condolences | eCondolence.com There will be things to be done at the home, such as taking care of guests or handling phone calls. Determining the best time to contact the bereaved generally depends on your relationship to the bereaved or the person who died. Members of the immediate family aren't chosen, as their place is with the family. The funeral ceremony is conducted at the place of the cremation. What to Send: Sympathy flowers and sympathy cards are appropriate Hindu funeral rites Hindu funeral service: Traditionally, the body remains at the home of the deceased or in a funeral parlor until it is cremated, which is usually within 24 hours after death. As a general rule, the closer your relationship to the bereaved, the sooner you should contact him or her. Weather conditions, circumstances and setting of the funeral, and religious and cultural traditions may affect the choices for clothing made. Don't forget that you can also e-mail your coworker to express your thoughts before you write your condolence note. When offering sympathy messages to an Orthodox Hindu for their sibling, youll find that the atmosphere of condolences is much different. After a person succumbs to illnesses such as cancer, some visitors make public assertions about magical cures that have no scientific validity, claiming that the person could have been alive through such means. Those who are close to the family may volunteer to do such tasks. Although not a good idea immediately after the passing, subsequent visits with the family can be enlivened by conversation about the good memories we had together with the person. May Lord Krishna grant everlasting peace to her soul. Candles and flowers decorate the wake , as well as the funeral service and the burial ground. In fact, unless we are absolutely certain of the familys religious and spiritual convictions, it is better to avoid the topic altogether, and give them some space instead. 82 Telok Blangah Dr, #01-43, Singapore 100082, Copyright 2021/22 Funeral Flower Singapore | www.funeralflowerssingapore.com, 199+ Heartfelt and Deepest Condolences Messages For The Bereaved, 50+ Sincere Christian Condolence Message For Loss of Loved One, Funeral Ceremony Traditions of Different Religions in Singapore. It is customary and appropriate to visit the family at home, especially during the days following the funeral. A "shraddha" ceremony. Keep your friend informed and get her feedback. According to my calculations based on astrology, he could not have chosen a better time to die is another example of saying the wrong thing in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hare Krishna. They'll surely understand. Serve his or her favorite foods. Generally, one can expect to listen to mantras being chanted around the deceaseds body at a house funeral. It also conveys an understanding that while there is a cycle to life, there is only one reality. Another option is to ask a close relative or friend to write some notes on your behalf. LinkedIn. One of the worst bloopers and a bane of modern technology when not done right, taking unsolicited photographs is a total no-no at a home where death has just occurred. For many people who have experienced a death, it can be helpful to know that their closest friends and family are thinking of them and are available to help. When someone experiences the loss of a loved one, visiting the bereaved in person is a thoughtful way to convey the deepest sympathy and offer support. Your sister was a beautiful person. It is also appropriate in Hindu tradition to send sympathy gifts. Weapons do not cut this Spirit, fire does not burn it, water does not make it wet, and the wind does not make it dry. Though a useful principle to follow universally, it is most handy while visiting the bereaved. Available to ship anywhere in the U.S. After the cremation service, the family will return home and perform Hindu death rituals such as ceremonial bathing. Also, there may be a Hindu funeral ceremony called shraddha that usually takes place after 10 days from the death. This forum contains old posts that have been closed. It's appropriate to visit the family at their home after their period of mourning, which typically lasts 10 days. Upon hearing the news of a young woman who died in a car crash, a purported well-wisher arrived at the parents home and declared: What sort of parents would allow a young woman to drive a car alone to work at night? Such words only deepen the pain and guilt that the parents are already suffering. It's a good idea to have a friend read over your eulogy. The mourning period is observed at the grieving family's home and will last from 10 to 30 days. Not only is it unnecessary to bring flowers to the service, but you are expected not to bring them. If you are a colleague or acquaintance: Send an email or handwritten note immediately. The ashes are usually scattered in a local river or the sea or maybe taken to India to be scattered in any one of the holy rivers, such as the Ganga. We pray that Lord Krishna gives you great strength to travel through all of this suffering. Likewise, the person who passes an ugly remark at a solemn family function might not even realise what he said or did was hurtful. Since this is such a personal request it should be made, if at all possible, either in person or with a phone call. Shell never be forgotten. Here, the priest oversees every activity. Today is a sad day for us. Can I get anything for you?" Certain rituals occur in the final moments, including: What should health and care professionals bear in mind? Atma is beyond space and time. Your clear expression of sympathy and caring for your coworker is what matters the most. Exchange stories about your loved one. Everyday Health | Visiting a family who just lost a loved one? It is customary to make a brief visit and spend a few moments in private prayer and then to visit with the family members. Medical decision making is among the most complex tasks known to man; and not all decisions lead to a positive outcome, although taken in good faith. It is not uncommon to hear one person pass a negative remark about the deceased persons character, soon to be joined by other likeminded people who fuel the conversation into a full-fledged debate. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online JavaScript is disabled. As author Arvind Sharma would say, there are as many Hinduisms as there are Hindus. Just the same, this leniency does not give people a wash from tradition. Traditionally, the Hindu funeral ceremony involves a ritual burning of the deceased body. As a general rule, the closer your relationship to the bereaved, the sooner you should contact him or her. Seeing other friends and family members at the service may prompt conversations and shared stories about the deceased, lengthening the time of the visit. If you decide you want to do it, then write your talk from your heart. Are you afraid of Sivasankar, court asks Customs; allows five-day custody, Chennai roads inundated as cyclone Nivar triggers intermittent rain, These Kashmiri families are eager to vote in Kerala local body polls, Wanted! Letting the bereaved know that you are thinking of him or her and that you care can mean a lot. If this cultural shift is your cousins history, it might be appropriate to mention that distinction to honor them both after offering condolences. Whilst it is favourable to do this within 24 hours, it is widely accepted amongst the Hindu community that the administrative process will take longer in the UK. Gifts of Condolence | eCondolence.com After someone dies, their body should be treated with respect. Please, search or browse our comprehensive online etiquette articles. During which time, the bereaved will recite prayers over the casket and place rice balls near the head of the body. 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You should not bring flowers to a Hindu funeral. If you want to do something now, send a donation as suggested by the family. A mourner may return to a normal work and social schedule after this ceremony. Hare Krishna. If they are in hospital, it is helpful to inform the chaplain about their spiritual needs (with the patients permission). Here are some thoughts and guidelines when considering a personal visit at the funeral home: Upon arrival, go to the family and express a simple condolence. Facebook. Loss is hard. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Then go with your intuition. eCondolence.com, LLC | Copyright 2023. The rituals will reflect a time of service and mourning, showing the familys dedication to Hindu teachings, beliefs about death, and honoring the memory of the deceased. It is important to identify a persons religious inclinations at the start of their care and to find out what they need when approaching the end of life. The preta-karma serves to assist the soul of the deceased person moves to the new body in the reincarnation cycle. They can wear open-toe shoes. At Hindu funerals, mourners should not wear anything black. Comforting the Bereaved Family and friends will express condolences and comfort by attending the Vigil Service and the Funeral Mass if possible. 3. Organ donation is accepted and encouraged in the Hindu faith and should be discussed with the family when appropriate. As author Arvind Sharma writes, Hinduism is not a thing; it is a process. He would more or less characterize Hinduism as a method or temperament. Because of the short cremation time, there is no requirement for embalming. Bhagavad Gita Quotes for Condolence and Healing - Learn Religions Such decisions are often based upon the circumstances of the family and the level of their commitment to the traditions of Hinduism. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. After this cremation ceremony, a reception at the familys place may happen. Grief is Complex, Etiquette Can Help Keep it Simple. They also believe that the souls next incarnation depends on the personskarma (actions during their previous life). They sit in the first two rows on the left, and after the service they leave, two by two, preceding the casket. It is also important to listen keenlythat is, without looking at our watches in between, fidgeting with our fingers or letting our eyes wander. Everyone in this community respected your father. Sympathy & Funeral Etiquette for Different Religions - Petal Talk This is generally the case with professional colleagues and associates, community and religious organization members, and other acquaintances. If the bereaved person would rather speak to someone they dont know or needs additional support, specialist bereavement support services (see below) are available. A Hindu priest will be invited to visit and to purify the house with incense, prayers and mantra. Those who are close to the grieving family can gently make sure that they dont miss their meals. Just letting her know that you are thinking about her can be helpful. 6. Not attending religious functions or celebrations. It is believed that free expression will keep the body healthy, instead of bound by mourning and unresolved anger. If you decide to let her attend, prepare your daughter by letting her know what the service involves and address any questions she may have. The dos as well as the donts are important. Hare Krishna. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. And unlike a phone call or a personal visit, e-mail doesn't require an immediate response from the recipient. In many rural areas of India, gender inequalities still exist where the men adopt the head of household position.