Is it true?

Question

That people cannot watch the actual burial? Is that against the law? i heard people used to freak out and jump on the caskets and what not? I saw a coffin OPEN at a cemetery once and noone was there, that's why I ask?(Except the burial people)

If you're going to be a smart a## you'll be reported because I am an adult and don't have time for your nonsense!

Answer 1

Hmmm, not sure where you heard that.

Different cultures have ALL kinds of rituals and taboos. Everything from bodies being burned, entombed, being buried on sacred or blessed soil to Sky burials (where they chop up your remains and let carrion birds take it away). There are plenty of regulations regarding how you can dispose of people's remains, even spreading people's ashes.

Now, from what I can tell very few people stay until the body is actually *completely* buried. The funeral ceremony usually includes lowering the coffin and the family members & friends casting dirt as a farewell and it's supposed to facillitate closure actually participating in putting your loved one in the ground.

So back regulations? I wonder why the coffin was open that you saw when only the grounds people were there. That makes me suspect it could be contrived by the burial people so *they* have final access? I have seen small tractors used to push the pile of dirt back into the grave so I suppose it's old school to imagine a grave-digging being done by hand anymore. I don't know but that makes me feel really old. lol

Answer 2

I can only say that apparently is not the case in Pennsylvania. My family, unfortunately, has burried several recently and it is tradition that we stick around to make sure the actual burial is done properly.

Many cemeteries have discontinued the practice of having a graveside ceremony. Instead, the funeral percession arrives at a pavilion, where a final ceremony is conducted. The grievers depart from there. The preacher told us that if a family insists there be a graveside ceremony, an exception is usually made.

I do not know about any laws for Pennsylvania or any other state. Perhaps someone with a law degree will answer.

Answer 3

I went to a funeral a couple months ago and people stayed until they actually put it in the ground and started to cover it up. They were then asked to leave. They could have stayed and watched from somewhere else, but not right at the place of burial.

Answer 4

Well, generally, out of courtesy, the cemetery staff doesn't actually inter the deceased before the funeral procession has left. I was told it was emotionally traumatic.

But when my Grandma died, they started lowering her into the ground before we were all gone, and while I thought it was weird, I wasn't traumatized by it. Of course, I held her as she passed away, and I felt her spirit leave, so I didn't feel as much of a connection to the body like a lot of people would, I guess.

Answer 5

I think custom is that in some cases the survivors don't want to see the coffin lowered but i have been to funerals where they lower the coffin and pitch roses and dirt on the coffin after its hit bottom.... Just depends on the surviviors i guess...

Answer 6

You can, at least where I live. As a matter of fact, both our local cemeteries, are completely in the open. We can even watch from the road if we want to.

Answer 7

Nothing wrong with watching a burial.

Answer 8

Watch a burial. What belief prohibits this?

Answer 9

I have been to a couple of funerals and I was allowed to watch the actual lowering into the ground and covering of it with dirt as long as I wanted to......I didnt feel the need to on all but it was hard to leave when it was my moms funeral....

Answer 10

I watched as they lowered my 18 y/o son in the ground! I guess it is all up to the person if they watch.