As a multicultural nation, there are many different funeral traditions in South Africa. Here are some of the major ones, explained, so that you know how you should show your respect at any service.
Christian customs
Christians believe in eternal life after death, and their end-of-life customs are a reflection of that. Most funerals take place in a church, where there is a service given by a priest. This is often followed by the burial in a nearby cemetery, where those in attendance can pay their last respects. After the deceased has been honoured and buried, friends and family usually gather to share memories of them and messages of hope over some food. They also offer support and comfort to those who are left behind.
Nguni customs
As deeply spiritual people, a traditional African funeral service honours not only the person who has passed but also their ancestors. Rituals will include songs and prayers to help guide the spirit to the ancestral realm and provide the family with a sense of unity. The deceased is buried either at the family home or on ancestral land. One of the common rituals is the slaughtering of a cow. Along with our wide range of benefits, at 21st Century Funerals, we also have an Inkomo Plan that can be added to your policy.
Islamic customs
There isn’t a lot of time for organising when it comes to Muslim funerals because the deceased needs to be buried within 24 hours. Before this, the body is washed by the family and then wrapped in a traditional white cloth, known as a kafan. There are no viewings, and cremation is not permitted. A short prayer service, called a Janazah, is held, after which the body is laid to rest, facing the holy city of Mecca. Friends and family then gather to share a meal while offering support and prayers.
Jewish customs
The Jewish funeral follows strict religious customs. They also wash the body, cover it with a white shroud and bury the deceased within 24 hours. Again, cremation is not allowed. A service is usually held in the cemetery, which includes prayers and readings. The family will observe a seven-day mourning period at home, known as a Shiva. Funerals in this faith focus on simplicity and respect, with comfort and support being provided to those close to the departed within the traditions of the religion.
Hindu customs
Followers of this faith, which has its origins in India, believe in reincarnation: That we are reborn after death. For this reason, they dress the departed before the body is cremated so that they are prepared for the next life. A prayer service is held not just to give people a chance to pay their respects but also to ensure the soul’s peaceful transition. Friends and family gather and take part in various end-of-life rituals to bring spiritual peace and closure to the loved ones, and mourning can last for a few days.
A country with a diverse collection of people who call it home, you now know what to expect from a funeral service, no matter the culture.
