Rek Funerals (2024)

FAQs

What are New Orleans funerals called? ›

A jazz funeral is a funeral procession accompanied by a brass band, in the tradition of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Elements of a Catholic Funeral

A funeral Mass or service with either the body or cremated remains present. The service is referred to as a Memorial Mass if the body is not present. A graveside service with burial of the body or cremated remains or the placing of the remains in a columbarium or mausoleum.

A eulogy is a speech made in remembrance of someone who has died. The eulogy speech is typically made at their funeral, and pays tribute to their life in some shape of form. The funeral might feature two or more eulogies made by individuals who were close to the deceased.

In a graveside funeral, the casket with the body in it is usually placed on a stand near the grave, and there is a simple ceremony. You may opt to have a religious speaker such as a minister or you might ask loved ones to read eulogies. Some graveside funeral services might also include music played through a stereo.

Funeral Second Lines

Jazz funerals are a big part of New Orleans culture, and with jazz funerals, comes second lines. During a funeral second line, the hearse is moved from the funeral to the burial service, joined by guests. A jazz band accompanies the procession to celebrate the life of the deceased.

”When the deceased is laid to rest – or they “cut the body loose”– the mourners “cut loose” as well. Although the majority of jazz funerals are for musicians, anyone can request one. And, as long as you're respectful, passersby are encouraged to join in and help celebrate.

Preserving the ashes of the departed in a sacred place “ensures that they are not excluded from the prayers and remembrance of their family or the Christian community” and “it prevents any unfitting or superstitious practices.”

Although cremation is permitted, Catholic teaching continues to stress the preference for burial or entombment of the body of the deceased. This is done in imitation of the burial of Jesus' body. This is the Body once washed in baptism, anointed with the oil of salvation, and fed with the bread of life.

However, while it's not a must for a Catholic to have a funeral Mass, the standard Catholic funeral does indeed incorporate this into the process. It is an absolute requirement for a member of the faithful to have a Catholic funeral in some form, as this often coincides with their wishes.

"Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss." "(The deceased) was a great person, and I'll miss them very much." "(He/she) meant a lot to me and everyone else at (the work place.) (He/she) contributed a lot to the company and our team, and (the deceased) will be missed."

Should a wife speak at her husband's funeral? ›

But many grieving widows find that the act of writing the eulogy helps them to find closure and peace. There are many milestones you will pass in your grief. Writing and delivering the eulogy at the funeral or memorial can help you to move forward.

You could start with something simple like: “My name is __________ , the wife/husband/son/daughter/friend of ___________.” Another idea is to explain how you knew the deceased, or how you first met. However, you should take care to avoid focusing the eulogy on you.

Graveside Etiquette

There are typically readings or prayers said during the service. If they call for a response, participate if you know the responses. Otherwise, remain respectfully quiet. If you've brought young children along, walk them away from the gravesite area if they become restless.

Offer words about the deceased in terms of your own relationship with him/her. For example, "He was a wonderful mentor to me at work," or "She was there for me when I went through my divorce." For a dear friend in mourning, show signs of empathy. Say something to the effect of "When you're in pain, I'm in pain."

Sympathy Gifts

While lavish presents are not appropriate for funerals and end-of-life events, small tokens of condolence are sure to be appreciated. A gift card to a local restaurant, grocery store, or coffee shop is a thoughtful present. Candles, books of comfort, and memory boxes are also good choices.

From all of this, a new style of music emerged – jazz. The funeral bands quickly adopted jazz, and New Orleans jazz funerals were born. This jazz music is unique and quite different from contemporary jazz or even traditional Dixieland jazz.

In the hot, subtropical climate of New Orleans, the corpse decomposes relatively rapidly so that after approximately a year, only bones remain. After that time, the bones or other remains are moved, typically to the ground in the oven tomb, making room for burial of newly deceased in the vacated vault.

The Second Line consists of people who follow the brass band to enjoy the music and dance. Second Lining is a dance form where participants dance and walk along the S.A.P.C. in an African-based, free-form style.

Of the 258 women shipped to Louisiana between 1719 and 1721, twenty-nine were from orphanages, thirty-five were from poor houses, and 194 were convicted criminals from the infamous prison La Force. They were called the Casket Girls, after the cassettes, or small trunks, they brought with them.