Whiting, IA Funeral Homes | Funeral Services

Modern funerals allow for adaptations of many types. For some individuals in Iowa, funeral services do not end until after a closing ritual takes place. This is one means of the family and friends to provide closure to the event. It is a means of pushing forward into the future.
What is a Closing Ritual?
A closing ritual is a ceremony. It is, like all rituals, a symbolic means of expressing the meaning of a funeral. This is a very personal ceremony. It may or may not take place on the premises of Iowa Funeral homes. While outdoor graveside closing rituals are possible, the best venue remains an indoor enclosed space. This allows the bereaved to hold them at any time of day and no matter what the weather.
During a closing ritual, the deceased is not physically present. This differentiates it from a wake, visitation or viewing. In nature, it is closer to a life celebration. The ceremony is held for those left behind. It may honor the dead, but such those individuals who decide upon this addition to Iowa funeral services do so for the living.
What is its Intention?
The intention of a closing or final ritual is to shut the door to the past while reflecting on the life of the deceased. It is a time for the living to tell stories and pass around objects of the beloved departed. It is a time to let others share how they feel and to express their emotions.
Yet, what differentiates this from a life celebration is the giving of presents. The family of the deceased usually hand out gifts representative of the individual. They may be symbolic of his or her interests or life. The deceased may never have personally touched these particular objects, but by giving and receiving them, the family, friends and all who knew the deceased are honoring the dead.
What Happens in Closing Rituals?
Whether the closing ritual occurs at Iowa Funeral Homes, in the residence of a family member, home of a friend or in a rented space, each event unfolds differently. Each closing ritual represents the efforts of those closest and their understanding of the deceased. It also symbolizes the character - or at least one aspect of him or her.
Yet, while differences produce quite diverse rituals. This part of a few Iowa funeral services does display certain common elements. They focus on physical manifestations of the now deceased individual. In other words, the bereaved seek to create a common bond with the mourners and help everyone move on by giving them something that will be a reminder. The idea is to find an object that represents an activity of the deceased or is symbolic of the deceased's character.
If you consult Iowa funeral homes, directors may be able to offer several suggestions. Among the possibilities to give to the participants are:

• Sports: Something indicating their favorite sports - this can include baseballs, golf balls, cricket bats, soccer balls, miniature sailboats and similar items
• Nature: In the case of someone who enjoyed nature, pick rocks, sea shells, crystals, feathers, leaves and related items
• Work: find items that reflect his or her work from ledgers, to pens, miniature computers, hammers, plumbing devices and other symbolic objects
• Hobbies: If the person was an avid gardener, give them a packet of seeds to plant in spring. If they made model airplanes or collected stamps or coins, select an appropriate symbol

Other actions make these types of Iowa funeral services different are specific means of celebrating or, if the ceremony is neo-pagan or green in design, a means of calling to, driving away or acknowledging the spiritual aspect of the deceased. This usually involves the employment of various music or noise making instruments. These may or may not be appropriate to traditional Iowa funeral homes. You can choose from a wide range including:

• Ringing of bells
• Striking of gongs
• Playing of hand-held drums
• Maracas
• Shakers

In addition to these instruments, people may chant and dance. Other elements can be the display of a DVD created to display the life and times of the deceased in a continuous loop. A computer can function in this respect or it can be projected onto a large screen. The telling and regaling of the guests with tales and stories, truths and half-truths is also another component. This is also common to many wakes and life celebrations held in Iowa Funeral homes or residences throughout this state and elsewhere.
Closing
A closing ritual may be only through invitation. It is personal, after all. It is a ritual offering healing and hope to all who attend. It may or may not require the help of Iowa funeral services to ensure its success. Whatever your decision, it is always good to know that Iowa funeral homes understand the need. We are there and ready to help you, your family and friends on their journey towards healing through funeral or cremation services as well as to help you with other elements of closure after losing a loved one.