Funeral Rituals and Practices among U.S. Cultural Groups

Table 11.3 Funeral Rituals and Practices among U.S. Cultural Groups
Predominant Religious
Cultural Group Beliefs Mourning Traditions Funeral Traditions
African American (in Protestant, believe that Open and emotional grief Viewing of the body at home; large gath-
the south) all will be reunited in by men and women. Many erings of family and community members;
heaven and that events wear blackto signify funeral in church with support for mourn-
in life are in accordance mourning. ers from church "nurses." Burial in ceme-
with God's plan. tery, often with deceased's favorite
belongings in the casket, such as CDs,
sports uniforms, trophies, and photos.
African American Mostly Catholic mixed Long period of mourning Traditional, formal funeral ceremonies
(immigrants from with African folk- and elaborate ceremonies, conducted by males in native dialects
Western Africa and medicine beliefs, some including prayers, drum» passed down from elders. Paid for by the
Caribbean West Protestants. ming, and singing. Pho- community and extended family. No
Indies) tographs are taken of the embalming or cremation. Usually burial,
deceased. Children are but cremation sometimes allowed if
included in all parts of remains are returned to homeland.
mourning to instill respect
for ancestors,