What is the difference between a funeral and a burial?
In society, both funerals and burials mark the end of a person’s life and the beginning of their final resting place. Although both ceremonies are similar in purpose, they differ in execution and meaning.
This article aims to clarify the differences between funerals and burials, provide insight into how they take place, and offer practical information on the costs associated with each ceremony. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed choices at a difficult time, and to offer valuable insights that can help you in the funeral planning process.
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What’s the difference between a funeral and a burial?
The difference between a memorial service and a funeral lies primarily in what happens to the body of the deceased after the ceremony. In a funeral, the coffin is placed directly into the grave, where the deceased is laid to rest. Funerals can be both secular, i.e. “non-denominational”, and they can be religious. Burial marks the physical “farewell party” of a life.
Burial, on the other hand, is a ceremony followed by cremation. The body of the deceased is burned, and the ashes are placed in an urn. The urn is placed in an urn burial ground or scattered in a memorial grove. The funeral offers the opportunity to shape the ceremony according to personal wishes or the needs of the family. This refers to an adaptable and personalized approach to saying goodbye to the deceased.
What is a funeral service?
A funeral is a form of burial where the body of the deceased is cremated after a ceremony and the ashes are either placed in an urn at a cemetery or handled in some other desired way by the relatives.
The ceremony differs from a traditional funeral in that there is no immediate burial of the body. Instead, the funeral ceremony provides an opportunity for reflection and a decision on the final resting place for the ashes, which may include placing the urn in a cemetery or scattering the ashes in accordance with laws and regulations.
The ceremony itself can be held in a chapel or a ceremony room and is often characterized by personalization such as music, poetry reading, and words of remembrance that reflect the life and values of the deceased. The funeral service provides a dignified and respectful setting to mark the transition from life to death, while offering flexibility for the next of kin to create a personal and meaningful farewell.
In Norway, urn interment must take place in an approved cemetery. Ash scattering requires approval from the County Governor, both within six months of death. These rules ensure a dignified commemoration, while allowing individual choices in line with the wishes of the relatives and respect for the environment.
What is the ceremony in a funeral?
The ceremony in a funeral can vary widely, but it allows for personal customization to reflect the life and wishes of the deceased. Often the ceremony includes music, readings, words of remembrance, and a final greeting at the urn or coffin.
The funeral can be held in a church, a ceremony room at a crematorium, or another place of special significance. Many people also choose to include photo or video presentations as a tribute to the life of the deceased.
The flexibility of the funeral ceremony allows relatives to create a unique and meaningful farewell, whether in a religious, secular or spiritual context.
What does a funeral cost?
The cost of a funeral in Norway depends on several factors such as the choice of coffin, location of the ceremony, floral arrangements, advertising, and type of urn for the ashes.
In addition, expenses related to cremation and any surcharges for special services such as music or a special ceremony leader can also affect the total price.
Generally speaking, prices for a funeral are between NOK 25.000,– and 50,000,– – but this can vary based on the individual choices made.
It’s important to discuss the details and get a detailed quote from the funeral home to understand all the costs involved in the funeral.
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How does a church funeral take place?
A church funeral in Norway is a ceremony characterized by tradition and rituals within the Christian faith.
The ceremony often starts with the coffin being carried into the church while organ music plays, followed by hymn singing and prayer led by a priest. There are readings from the Bible and a sermon reflecting on the life of the deceased, comfort from scripture, and the hope of eternal life. The family or friends can contribute personal words of remembrance or musical interludes.
After the ceremony in the church, a procession follows to the grave where the coffin is lowered. The priest performs the burial service with the words “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. This marks the physical farewell, but also the belief in life after death. The ceremony ends with a blessing and thanks for your participation.
What does a church funeral cost?
The cost of a church funeral in Norway can vary depending on a number of factors. These include
- the choice of funeral home
- type of coffin
- ceremony content
- flowers
- advertising
- choice of headstone
In general, the price of a church funeral can start at around NOK 25.000,– and can increase to NOK 70.000,– or more, based on the various options.
It’s important to have an open dialog with the funeral home to get a detailed overview of the costs involved, so you can make informed choices that suit both your wishes and budget.
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