Should we wear black to a funeral these days, some do some dont, but what is correct?

Answer 1

went to a funeral yesterday ,most people wore black,i think its more for a show of respect for the family left behind,,,,

Answer 2

I think unless specifically stipulated black or other dark colours should be worn... Especially to the funeral of an older person... As I'd say it was a sign of respect to the generation in which they were brought up and most likely related to...

Ive been to a few children/teenagers funerals and I recall the parents at the time asking for bright colours to be worn so as to celebrate the vivaciousness of the child, or I suppose, to make it a little less sombre an more an occasion for celebrating life...also, i fing for children, if they are attending a funeral, it can be frightening for eveyone around them to be in dark clothes, as darkness can be intimidating..

But in the main, I think black is just a tradition, as black is the associated colour with bad feeling... i.e Black Friday, Black Tuesday, stock market crash on October 29, 1929 which is the start of the Great Depression.
Black Thursday, stock market downturn on October 24, 1929
Black Monday, stock market crash on October 19, 1987.
the Black September in Jordan refers to a month in which thousands were killed.
Black July killing of the Tamil population by the Sinhalese government
Black Spring (Printemps noir) refers to the events of spring 2001 in the Berber region of Kabylia (Algeria), when the police shot and killed more than 100 people.
Black Wednesday caused Britain to pull out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism.
Black Friday, various tragic events


Nowadays there is no special dress or behaviour required for those in mourning and even the wearing of black at funerals is in decline. Traditionally however there were strict social rules to be observed.

(I got this below from wiki)

By the 19th century, mourning behaviour in England had developed into a complex set of rules, particularly among the upper classes. Women bore the greatest burden of these customs. They involved wearing heavy, concealing, black clothing, and the use of heavy veils of black crêpe. The entire ensemble was colloquially known as widow's weeds (from the Old English "Waed" meaning "garment").

Of course I am talking from my perspective, which is a Christian, I have never been to a funeral of a person of another relgious beleif and so am not sure of their rituals and attire...

Answer 3

It's not a matter of being correct, but how you feel. Some people now specifically ask people to wear bright colours as the funeral is a celebration rather than a time for mourning. Other people prefer to be traditional and wear black the traditional colour for mourning.

Answer 4

I'm going to the funeral of a close family member at 3pm today and I am wearing black head to toe. Don't think the issue is whether its correct or not - its a personal choice.

Answer 5

That's a tradition from the past which like any other tradition changes with the times you live in.

Well that's my thought anyway.

These days, yes it's still traditional to wear black, but I would say it's more up the family as to what the dress code is. I think you should wear what reflects their wishes.

The main thing is just to show true respect surely.

Answer 6

I think you don't have to wear black, but a dark color would most definitely be appropriate. If you're wanting to stay with tradition then wear the black. Who's to say what's "correct" anymore...but if you're looking not to be talked about later...don't wear a loud Hawaiian print shirt unless that was the person's favorite attire and you want to honor them that way. I'm sorry for your loss!

Answer 7

The history behind that tradition is actually so that the spirit of the dead,may see all the people dressed in black mourning,and not want to stick around in the afterlife. I guess some don't believe that,but I believe to me it's more of a respect for the dead kind of practice.

Answer 8

It's best if you can find out the family's wishes. (My daughter recently went to one where everyone was asked to wear white.)
If that's not possible I think you black is the best thing, as it shows a mark of respect, or a dark suit with a black tie for a man, and a black coat or suit for a woman, although other dark colours are acceptable.

Answer 9

Alot depends on the personality of the person who died. At my grandmother's funeral I wore her colourful hat.
The general etiquette is to wear black. If in doubt I would stick to that. x

Answer 10

IF i have a funeral (hubby n i've already discussed this, depends if he wants to have one -- i personally dont' know if i could deal with having one for him)

anyhow, IF i did, i would want people to wear WHATever was comfy.

i don't want any of those sad sappy 'i'll see you up there' kinda songs that usually play...i want 'sense the adventure' and 'camphor' at least by the Fixx, and gogol bordello's 'start wearing purple' . i want a celebration of my life NOT a teary boo-hoo cuz i'm dead. party on!!