Glossary
Funeral terminology, calmly explained.
A guide through the technical vocabulary around farewell and burial.
Viewing
Personal, often silent moment at the open coffin before the ceremony.
Blessing
Religious act of farewell at the place of death or in the chapel.
Interment
The ceremonial burial of coffin or urn at the grave.
Pre-arrangement
Contractually setting out one's own funeral wishes during one's lifetime.
Burial
Interment of the body in a coffin at a cemetery.
Cremation
Incineration at a crematorium followed by urn interment.
Cemetery fee
Costs for the plot, term of use and care, charged by the cemetery operator.
Headstone
Permanent memorial plaque at the grave, in natural stone, wood or metal.
Condolence
Written or spoken expression of sympathy to those bereaved.
Crematorium
Facility for the dignified cremation of the deceased.
Mortuary passport
Official document for the repatriation of a deceased person within the EU.
Coffin
Container for burial, from simple to finely crafted.
Sea burial
Interment of a biodegradable urn at open sea.
Death certificate
Official confirmation of death issued by the registry office.
Funeral ceremony
Ceremony of remembrance, religious, secular or in the closest circle.
Urn
Container for the ashes after cremation.