If you're planning to attend an Italian funeral services, be sure you know all the traditions and customs. Whether you're a member of the immediate family or not, you'll want to respect the traditions and avoid offending the family. There are many different traditions that are followed during Italian funeral services, and it can be hard to know what to say without offending someone. Knowing what to say can make all the difference in the world at this difficult time.

Ritual mourning

Many Italians bury their deceased loved ones' favorite objects in a grave. This practice stems from an ancient superstition in the country: if their loved one were to die, their soul would not leave the body. This superstition has stayed with the Italians throughout the centuries. Some Italians even bury their lost loved one's favorite objects. A funeral is not complete without a ceremony that honors the deceased.

Many Italian funerals follow Catholic traditions. During the service, friends and family visit the deceased's casket while he or she was in it. After the funeral mass, mourners gather around the casket. Afterward, they kiss the deceased's face or forehead. The Italians also follow the hearse in vehicles. However, they are now more likely to be buried in mausoleums due to a shortage of land.

Cremation

Cremation as part of an Italian funeral service may not be the right choice for every family. If your loved one has died abroad, you must consider the country's legal requirements before proceeding. Cremation in Italy is common and regulated by local councils. Non-residents may not be eligible for cremation before 31 December 2020. Also, cremation may be carried out before repatriation to the UK. You will have to make arrangements with your funeral director in advance.

Cremation is increasingly becoming a popular option for Italian funeral services, and the cost of cremation is usually covered by the local municipality. There are, however, limited crematoria in Italy. Cremation requires a formal request to the registry office, which may take up to three to 10 days. In cases of sudden death, embalming can interfere with the results of an autopsy. If your loved one was a medical student in Italy, donation of their body to medical research may be possible. However, written consent is required from the deceased.

Santini cards

Traditional religions in Italy also use santini cards to commemorate the deceased. Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic communities both use santini cards. While they have not changed much in their format over the years, they provide a link to the deceased's faith and past traditions. Using a santini card at the funeral service is a wonderful way to honour the deceased's faith and make the event a little more personal and meaningful.

The tradition of collecting'santini' at a deceased's funeral goes back centuries to Italian poet Gino Verani. They are similar to the Catholic greeting cards featuring images of saints. Santini cards were originally sent to family members and friends as tributes. Today, Italian families use Santini cards to pay tribute to their loved ones. These cards are sent with a sympathy card from the deceased's family or friends.

Coffins in niches

If you're considering an Italian burial, there are several types of niches to choose from. For example, if you're looking for an authentic Italian funeral, you can find niches that focus on cremation. If you're planning a burial, niches are the most convenient options. These niches often feature a large variety of coffins from around the world. They're the perfect way to pay tribute to a loved one, regardless of religion or culture.

Italian burial traditions are very traditional, and there is a strong religious belief in burying the dead in the ground. Infants and unchristened infants were buried in niches in cemeteries until the 1970s, and suicide victims were never buried in the consecrated soil of the cemetery. It's not surprising that the Italian people revere their dead and are devoted to honoring them with funeral rites.

Food for funerals

Food for Italian funeral services is traditionally brought by friends and family members. This can range from desserts and fruit to casseroles and wine. It is usually enough to serve the family and visitors, and some food can be stored and eaten later. In former times, wealthy families would pay the mourners to weep at the gravesite. These days, the wailing is not the norm at a funeral. However, the food brought is important for the mourning family.

Food for Italian funeral services is more about mourning the dead than about freezing the meal for later consumption. Traditionally, large family meals are served. The deceased's family might come up and read the Bible or speak about the deceased. Afterwards, rosary beads are usually placed on the hands, and a cross is usually worn around the neck. Disposable pots and pans are often used for these types of celebrations, making cleanup easier.

Cost

Italian funeral services Sydney are among the most expensive in the world. A wooden coffin costs approximately three thousand Euros. The coffin itself is a standard item, but the cost of flowers and the priest's tip may be extra. Funeral homes are not required to charge you for the service, but some do. The cheapest grave is one in which the coffin is buried in a hole in the ground and a stone is carved above the hole. In addition to a coffin, there are tombstones or chapels with all the necessary features. Each tomb is equipped with a tiny light.

In Italy, cremation is common and can cost around EUR270. A funeral director will advise you on options and prices. Cremation is the most popular type of funeral in Italy, while a local burial is customary in most areas. If the deceased is religious, the undertaker will arrange a funeral service for them. If you'd prefer a humanist funeral, you can contact the UAAR (Italian Humanist Society) for assistance.