The History of Funerals and Funeral Homes

Funerals are a way to pay respect to loved ones who have passed away and honour their lives. Have you ever wondered about the history of funerals and funeral homes? While funerals have been a part of society for centuries, their background is interesting. Bridgwater Funeral Services dives into the history of burials, funerals and funeral traditions.

The earliest recorded burials date back as far as 27,000 to 23,000 years. These historical occurrences were scattered across various locations, from Australia and Israel to Iberia and Wales. Many of these burial sites featured animal bones alongside human remains, and some even showcased bones painted in a rust-like hue using natural clay, giving us a glimpse into our ancestors' burial customs.

Following these initial burials, more discoveries were made between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago. Although these burials featured similarities to the earlier ones, they presented a heightened indication of ritualistic elements linked to funerals. This includes the burial of personal items and mementoes with the deceased, underscoring the evolution of human funeral practices over time. Some of the funeral history from around the world includes:

• Ancient Greece Funerals – The roots of Western funerals trace back to Ancient Greece. From 3,000 to 1,100 BC, burial was the predominant method to lay individuals to rest. Following this period, cremation on a funeral pyre started taking precedence due to the dawn of Christianity, which advocated burial as the ideal passage to the afterlife.
• Ancient Rome Funerals – Initially, Romans adopted cremation with their remains stored in columbariums. With the growing influence of the Catholic Church, burial gained popularity over time. This laid the foundation of current funeral practices, including funeral masses and wakes.
• Anglo Saxon Burial Sites – The discovery of one of history's most peculiar burial sites in Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, painted a unique picture of the past. It is believed that a king or warrior found eternal rest in one of approximately 18 burial mounts, along with his 90-foot ship and a wealth of treasure. Despite numerous thefts in the 16th century, it is considered one of the wealthiest burial sites uncovered in Northern Europe.

The plague outbreak in the UK led to a significant shift in burial practices. Graves were moved out of densely populated towns and cities to contain the spread of the disease and designate clear burial places. This marked the advent of distinguished cemeteries, a tradition that continues in the UK to this day.

Funeral homes have existed for several centuries, though they only emerged as an established business in the late 19th century. Before this, funeral ceremonies were held at the residence of the deceased, with family members handling the body's preparation and burial. This changed with the advent of funeral homes, providing a unified setting for families to organise and conduct funerals.

Funeral homes are traditionally characterised by heavy, solemn décor and formal clothing. The standard features of most funeral homes included a chapel, a visitation room, and a preparation room. Traditional funeral homes often provided additional services like limousine facilities and a hearse to transport the body to the cemetery. Our traditional funeral service offers a church service followed by a cremation or burial service.

Over time, funeral homes have modernised to align with contemporary family needs. Many funeral homes have shifted from formal attire and heavy décor to a relaxed and soothing environment. Flexibility with funeral arrangements has been introduced with options such as cremation and eco-friendly burials. Our funeral home customises funeral services for your needs.

In recent years, there has been an increased preference for cremation services. Most funeral homes provide cremation as an alternative to traditional burials, offering families greater flexibility and a more cost-effective solution for honouring their departed loved ones.

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, funeral homes adjust to provide eco-friendly funerals and burial services. These methods are designed to minimise environmental impact Our green or woodland burial sites provide a peaceful resting place in nature.

The transformation of funeral homes mirrors the shifting needs and preferences of families over time. Bridgwater Funeral Services delivers comforting and professional services to families. From conventional funeral rites to modern alternatives, our funeral home stays updated on the changing needs of families. We’re always here to answer questions about our funeral services. Contact us today to learn more about our customised funeral and burial services.