Heritage Funeral Directors understands how meaningful religious traditions are. We take pride in catering to your loved one's needs during this time, providing religious washrooms and chapels so that you can care for your loved ones.
We promise that whatever faith of your loved one, we can provide a fitting religious funeral service.
Below we have information about different religions and their traditions.
We believe it’s important to gain knowledge on different religious views.
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SIKH BELIEFS ABOUT DEATH
Sikhs believe in transmigration (karma) of the soul and that death is a natural part of life. They believe human life is an opportunity to break the soul’s cycle of reincarnation and return it to Waheguru, the Sikh name for God. Sikh funerals are known as Antam Sanskaar, meaning “the last rite of passage”, with the focus of the ceremony being a celebration of the soul re-joining Waheguru.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A SIKH FUNERAL SERVICE?
A Sikh funeral is ruled by a Giani ( Sikh priest).
A Sikh funeral service typically takes place at a Gurdwara either before and after the cremation, though it can be held at the family home and followed by the cremation service at the Crematorium.
The funeral prayer - Kirtan Sohila is recited followed by a community prayer called Ardaas.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A SIKH FUNERAL?
After the funeral ceremony, the deceased loved ones will gather together to read the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. This ceremony is known as the Akhand Paath. The Akhand Paath usually takes place in a single sitting, which takes three days.
Prior to this the sangat – (congregation) will eat Guru Ka Langar together before heading to the Darbar Sahib to finish off the Akhand Paath
The reading can be done incrementally over a longer period of time if this is more convenient (usually no longer than ten days). If a Sikh cremation is delayed, the family may choose to begin Akhand Paath before the ceremony.
Once the funeral has been completed, the family usually collect the ashes from the funeral directors and disperse into running water of their choice.
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HINDU BELIEFS ABOUT DEATH
Hindus believe in the rebirth and reincarnation of souls. According to Hinduism, when the physical body dies, the soul reincarnates into another life.
Whilst Hindus mourn the passing of their loved one, they also celebrate the onward journey of the soul to the next incarnation which they see as a step closer to Nirvana (Heaven).
WHAT HAPPENS AT A HINDU FUNERAL
The deceased is generally displayed in a simple casket with flowers placed at their feet. Family and friends usually gather around the casket to perform Hindu funeral chants or prayers. Before the deceased is cremated, many Hindus place ‘pinda’ (rice balls) close to their loved one. Sometimes during a Hindu funeral, the family will place a lamp near the head of their loved one or sprinkle holy water on them.
The priest will then explain what Hindu beliefs are regarding death and what happens to the soul after death, to comfort the grieving family. From there the deceased and family will make their way to the crematorium where they will do the final prayers and service such a speeches, photo tributes and witness the cremation of deceased.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A HINDU FUNERAL
Mourning usually lasts for 13 days after a Hindu funeral. During this time, the deceased’s family receive visitors at their home, with a photograph of the person who has passed away prominently displayed alongside a garland of flowers.
One year after the death, the family of the deceased will observe a memorial event called ‘sraddha’, paying homage to their loved one.
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CHRISTIAN BELIEFS ABOUT DEATH
Christians believe that once someone has passed away, their time on earth has also ended, however they believe that if you were a good person throughout your life on earth you will then see Jesus (Son of God) when he resurrects.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A CHRISTIAN FUNERAL
Depending on the denomination the funeral will take place at a Church where hymns are sung by the congregation, readings from the Bible and eulogies are being read out. Once the service has ended the deceased and family members will make their way to the cemetery or in some cases the crematorium where final readings of the Bible are read out to conclude the funeral.
CHRISTIAN FUNERAL PRAYERS
There are many popular Christian funeral prayers to say at a service. These can include:
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Catholic Funeral Prayer
- Christ be with me
- Psalm of Comfort
- I Corinthians 15:51-57
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A CHRISTIAN FUNERAL
Family and friends of the deceased usually gather at the home or hire a service hall to celebrate the life of their loved one, along with food & drink.
What Client's Say?
Thank you Raj & team. Our service with you was nothing but amazing from the start.
Raj & team had made the saddest occasion into such a beautiful & thoughtful ceremony. Our family will forever be grateful for your professionalism and kind hearts. Highly recommended!
Thank you once again !!
K S Sodhi
Mother's Funeral
S H Funerals, have been very professional, they knew exactly what needed to be done in relation to our religious beliefs. On the Day all care was taken so that the family had the time and space they needed. Thank you for your time and effort in making a very difficult day go smoothly
S S Khera
Uncle's Funeral
We had two of our family funerals. One was my mother in law. during covid within one week it was very well arranged. Funeral director was very helpful and paid respect towards like his own mother.
V Loyal
Mother in-law
