Death is an inevitable destination for every human being on earth. It is such an emotionally throbbing occurrence for the family and friends who are left behind.
A memorial service is being done prior to a burial or cremation, to give last respect to the dead person. Several cultures have different rites for the death of a loved one. Oftentimes, the funeral will be done according to the dead person’s religion, or according to the culture of the place where he has lived.

In Canada, the memorial rite usually has 3 parts. These are the visitation, the memorial, and the burial.

During the visitation or viewing period, the dead who is placed in a coffin can be viewed by relatives and friends. More often than not, this visitation also becomes a form of reunion for families and friends who have been away from each other for a long time, as this is the moment that they can converge and talk about the occurrence. This occassion is also where the living’surviving family members can show photographs of the deceased when he was still alive. Depending on the dead person’s family, the wake can last from 2 days up to a week or may be longer.

It is at this occassion that the visitors can sign in a guest book to inidicate their attendance. Amidst the visitation period, scheduled prayer sessions can be done. Generally, a mass is done at the end of the visitation period.

The visitation ritual is then followed by a memorial service which is usually held in a church or funeral home. Church heads usually conduct the service. For Catholics, a priest officiates the mass. It is also during this time where chosen friends and family members can give their tribute, citing good qualities and happy moments of the dead person while he was alive.

After the memorial service, the coffin is closed, and it will now be brought to the cemetery where the burial will happen or to the crematory where the corpse will be cremated. Sometimes, the urn containing the dead’s cremated remains is also buried in a cemetery. In some practices, a closing meal or get-together is held in a shosen location right after the interment.

Funerals are overflowing with deep emotions. In any manner or tradition, it should be done with love and respect.

Visit our site for further information on cremation in toronto and toronto cremation