Music
Music is an important part of many social rituals. One of the purposes of music is to help us access our feelings, both happy and sad. During the funeral ceremony, music helps us think about our loss and embrace our painful feelings of grief. Music that has personal meaning to you or the person who died expresses what words alone could never say.
Readings
Poems, spiritual or religious verses, and passages from meaningful texts offer words of comfort and support. They eloquently capture our beliefs and feelings.
Symbols
Objects such as displayed belongings of the person who died, crosses and other religious items, candles, and flowers give concrete form to our search for meaning in life and death.