What symbols, rituals, words and actions are used in Christianity for this rite of passage?
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/5/9/13592680/8750924.png?221)
Christianity comes from the Ancient Greek word 'Χριστός', which translate to "the anointed one". It is a religion in which you believe in Jesus Christ, and the words he passed out through the Bible. The bible does not mention many details about death, but it does keep us wondering about afterlife, where we may go after we die. This is why Christians have faith in heaven and how Jesus will protect them while they're on earth, until the right time.
When they die, they believe that they will be judged by God, where the people who are right will go to heaven, and the "sinners" will go to hell. To them, hell is a place where they are not loved by God (a separation).
When they die, they believe that they will be judged by God, where the people who are right will go to heaven, and the "sinners" will go to hell. To them, hell is a place where they are not loved by God (a separation).
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/5/9/13592680/3040738.png?220)
The main symbol used to represent death for Christians is the cross. This is to remind them about the crucifixion of Jesus. They are usually used on graves, as it is the most well known symbol for Christians. Although a dove is not a symbol for death, it can mean love and peace. The symbol is usually white and can be symbolized as messengers.
When a Christian person dies, they are dressed in their best clothing, to be either buried or cremated. This may be chosen by the person before he/she dies, or may be chosen by a family member or relative that knows them well (when the person faces a sudden death and has not been given enough time to choose). The most likely time when they will be able to choose whether they will like to be buried or cremated is when they have been suffering an illness for a long period of time and is on their deathbed. This is when a minister will prepare them for death and they are able to leave some information on what they want to include in the funeral service (hymns, prayers).
The actual funeral is held around 1 week after their death, in a church or crematorium.
When a Christian person dies, they are dressed in their best clothing, to be either buried or cremated. This may be chosen by the person before he/she dies, or may be chosen by a family member or relative that knows them well (when the person faces a sudden death and has not been given enough time to choose). The most likely time when they will be able to choose whether they will like to be buried or cremated is when they have been suffering an illness for a long period of time and is on their deathbed. This is when a minister will prepare them for death and they are able to leave some information on what they want to include in the funeral service (hymns, prayers).
The actual funeral is held around 1 week after their death, in a church or crematorium.
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/5/9/13592680/6102276.png)
During a funeral, the people who have attended should wear black or formal and dignified clothing to show respect towards the person in a serious matter.
There are many forms of which the funerals could take place such as:
- The Gathering: where the priest opens up the service with a reading from the scriptures.
- Reading and sermon: a psalm from the Bible is read out (usually from Psalm 23).
- Personal readings: The priest may talk about the person who has died and can be reflecting on the person's life over their role in the church. A poem or passage may be read out from a family member or friend.
- Reflection: When there is a minute of silent time given to reflect.
- Farewell: When the priest reads a prayer and speaks the words "Let us commend (the person's name) to the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer."
Throughout the whole service, there may be hymns which are sung.
There are many forms of which the funerals could take place such as:
- The Gathering: where the priest opens up the service with a reading from the scriptures.
- Reading and sermon: a psalm from the Bible is read out (usually from Psalm 23).
- Personal readings: The priest may talk about the person who has died and can be reflecting on the person's life over their role in the church. A poem or passage may be read out from a family member or friend.
- Reflection: When there is a minute of silent time given to reflect.
- Farewell: When the priest reads a prayer and speaks the words "Let us commend (the person's name) to the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer."
Throughout the whole service, there may be hymns which are sung.
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/5/9/13592680/8655378.png?204)
At a burial, the coffin is lowered into the grave as the people who have come to thank God for his/her life and grieve for the death that has taken place. A prayer is said aloud as the coffin is placed into the grave: "We therefore commit (his or her) body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life."
While the prayer is read, the family members are given the opportunity to throw a handful of dirt/mud each, a traditional service which symbolizes the process into judgement. To symbolize new beginning, and their love, flowers can be placed on top of the coffin.
If the person had wished to be cremated, the body is taken to a crematorium, as they are burned into ashes. The curtains are closed around the coffin as the cremation takes place. The ashes may be put into an urn ("a tall, rounded vase with a base, and often a stem") which is given to the family who may choose to keep them or scatter them in a place where it is significant.
While the prayer is read, the family members are given the opportunity to throw a handful of dirt/mud each, a traditional service which symbolizes the process into judgement. To symbolize new beginning, and their love, flowers can be placed on top of the coffin.
If the person had wished to be cremated, the body is taken to a crematorium, as they are burned into ashes. The curtains are closed around the coffin as the cremation takes place. The ashes may be put into an urn ("a tall, rounded vase with a base, and often a stem") which is given to the family who may choose to keep them or scatter them in a place where it is significant.