Funerals in Sicily
Funerals in Sicily are deeply rooted in Catholicism, often taking place within 48 hours, and feature a wake followed by a funeral Mass.
The community is very involved, and it is common for attendees to view the body in an open casket and pay their respects.
Other traditions include the use of funeral posters on public poles, specific mourning customs, and the "Feast of the Dead" or "La Festa dei Morti" on November 2nd.
The funeral service
Timing: Funerals typically occur within 48 hours of death.
Catholic influence: Services are usually Catholic, with rites that may include a funeral Mass and prayers.
Open casket: Open caskets are common, allowing family and friends to see the deceased and pay their respects by touching or holding the body.
Community involvement: The community actively participates, sometimes with large processions to the cemetery.
Traditions and customs
Funeral posters: Instead of obituaries, it is traditional to post notices on public poles, often on a deep burgundy fabric with gold trim.
Wakes: A wake is usually held at the family home or a funeral hall, where friends and family gather for hours to share food and comfort each other.
Mourning attire: Family members may wear black and avoid jewelry during the mourning period.
Family involvement: The family often gathers to eat together after the wake and for the funeral service, and they may receive support from neighbors and friends who bring them food.
Photographs: It is traditional to take photographs at funerals, sometimes similar to those taken at weddings or baptisms, with relatives posing around the coffin.
Feast of the Dead: On November 2nd, families honor deceased loved ones with a celebration called "La Festa dei Morti." Children may leave a basket near their beds for departed loved ones to leave them gifts.
Burial and cremation
Burial: Burial can involve interment in the ground or placement in an above-ground niche, called a tumulazione.
Burial rights: Burial rights are typically limited to a certain number of years, after which the remains are exhumed. Families can then choose to pay for a private ossuary or have the remains placed in a common one.
Cremation: Cremation is an option, though less common than traditional burial.
Mafia influence: In some cases, funerals for prominent figures may be attended by large crowds and draw public and media attention.
Humanist funerals: While not common in Italy, humanist funerals can be arranged through the local undertaker or the Italian Humanist Society.
The community is very involved, and it is common for attendees to view the body in an open casket and pay their respects.
Other traditions include the use of funeral posters on public poles, specific mourning customs, and the "Feast of the Dead" or "La Festa dei Morti" on November 2nd.
The funeral service
Timing: Funerals typically occur within 48 hours of death.
Catholic influence: Services are usually Catholic, with rites that may include a funeral Mass and prayers.
Open casket: Open caskets are common, allowing family and friends to see the deceased and pay their respects by touching or holding the body.
Community involvement: The community actively participates, sometimes with large processions to the cemetery.
Traditions and customs
Funeral posters: Instead of obituaries, it is traditional to post notices on public poles, often on a deep burgundy fabric with gold trim.
Wakes: A wake is usually held at the family home or a funeral hall, where friends and family gather for hours to share food and comfort each other.
Mourning attire: Family members may wear black and avoid jewelry during the mourning period.
Family involvement: The family often gathers to eat together after the wake and for the funeral service, and they may receive support from neighbors and friends who bring them food.
Photographs: It is traditional to take photographs at funerals, sometimes similar to those taken at weddings or baptisms, with relatives posing around the coffin.
Feast of the Dead: On November 2nd, families honor deceased loved ones with a celebration called "La Festa dei Morti." Children may leave a basket near their beds for departed loved ones to leave them gifts.
Burial and cremation
Burial: Burial can involve interment in the ground or placement in an above-ground niche, called a tumulazione.
Burial rights: Burial rights are typically limited to a certain number of years, after which the remains are exhumed. Families can then choose to pay for a private ossuary or have the remains placed in a common one.
Cremation: Cremation is an option, though less common than traditional burial.
Mafia influence: In some cases, funerals for prominent figures may be attended by large crowds and draw public and media attention.
Humanist funerals: While not common in Italy, humanist funerals can be arranged through the local undertaker or the Italian Humanist Society.
26-30, F
