is it true that black is not the color to wear to funerals anymore?

Question

my friend was going to a funeral today and was wearing a white skirt and pink shirt. i thought that you are supposed to wear black out of respect.

Answer 1

Black is meant to show sorrow when worn to a funeral. A very long time ago it was basically the rule. So, as time passed it was passed on also. If you think about it, the black fits the mood more than bright colors do. Even though the saying is "cry at birth rejoice at funerals".

More and more different colors are being worn to funerals. So, your friend wasn't being disrepectful or anything. It was just her personal choice. That's okay :) But, black is the usual :)

Answer 2

The custom of wearing black is largely a leftover from Victorian times, when mourning was both fashionable and socially correct. Showing up to a funeral in anything other than black was a social faux pas.

That custom is fading out fast, but most etiquette experts still suggest that you wear more muted colors to show respect for the family and friends' loss. For guys, that would be blue, brown, or grey suits, and for women, clothing in colors like dark rose pink, medium blues, etc.

Your friend's choice of colors would probably be considered questionable, given those parameters. When in doubt, it's never wrong to go with slightly more drab colors.

Answer 3

Anyone who is in mourning may wear black, relatives or friends, red and bright orange used to be looked on as undesirable for attending funerals, because they were looked on to be festive colors, rather than for mourn`g, but today a lot has changed, although people of the cloth still are required to wear either black or white, especially if they are affiliating in anyway.

Answer 4

It depends on the religious affiliation of the family. Orthodox Catholic funerals I believe are still black-only affairs, but many religions now accept colorful clothing to signify the celebration of life. To make sure you're making the right decision, do a google search for funeral practices for the religion of the family. If you don't know what it is, or want to play it safe, stick to neutrals and darker colors, but you don't have to wear black.

Answer 5

Traditionally black is the color of mourning. Any dark colors show respect in what you wear. You also do not traditionally wear white or red to a funeral. However, if it is not a traditional funeral, don't worry about dressing traditional. Your best bet is to show respect in however you see fit.

Answer 6

Black is traditionally the western color of mourning; however, this is not true of every culture. For instance, the Chinese wear white.

Now I think it mostly depends on the wishes of the family, and possibly even the deceased themselves before they die. For instance, I myself don't want people to wear black at MY funeral.

Answer 7

Black is classic and it was traditionally suitable for funerals, but now it is a question of personnal taste and respect. Any plain color would do I believe and white is perfect for summer.

Answer 8

Generally, here is nothing wrong with what people wear to funerals as long as they are clean and covered. Of course it also depends on the culture of the deceased.

Answer 9

In our culture/faith,we practice black, but if your have nothing black any dark color will do.Blue,Brown,Purple.Yes ,i think it is neccessary for all do dress accordiingly, to show that you are also grieving with the family, not only the family needs to wear black,cuz its not only them grieving.But in todays world there is little respect going on.

Answer 10

Today it seems that some people prefer a more personalized home going service etc......the family and friends of the deceased would know what the preference is. As said above more of a celebration of the life, and of course the mourning and the grievance of loss persist. Peace!