{"faiths":[{"id":"muslim","name":"Muslim","tradition":"Islam","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/muslim/","summary":"A Muslim funeral (janazah) is a burial — Islam does not permit cremation. The body is washed (ghusl), wrapped in a simple white shroud (kafan), the congregational funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is said, and burial takes place as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, with the person laid on their right side facing Makkah.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial only","timing":"As soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours","key_rite":"Ghusl, kafan and Salat al-Janazah","mourning":"Three days for family; iddah of 4 months 10 days for a widow","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Burial only — cremation is not permitted","How soon":"As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of death","Preparation":"Ritual washing (ghusl) by family or community members of the same sex, then a white shroud (kafan)","Service":"Salat al-Janazah — a standing congregational prayer, usually at a mosque","Grave":"Body placed on its right side facing the Qibla (Makkah); many UK cemeteries have dedicated Muslim sections","Mourning":"Usually three days; a widow observes iddah (4 months and 10 days)"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Modest, loose clothing covering arms and legs. Women usually cover their hair in the mosque. Shoes are removed in the prayer hall.","say":"“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (“To God we belong and to Him we return”), or simply offer condolences and prayers for the person who died.","flowers":"Flowers are not traditional. Practical help — especially bringing food to the family during the first days — is valued."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can Muslims be cremated?","a":"No. Islam requires burial, so a Muslim funeral is always a burial rather than a cremation."},{"q":"How quickly does a Muslim burial take place in the UK?","a":"Families aim to bury within 24 hours where possible. In practice it depends on how quickly the death can be certified or released by the medical examiner or coroner, so let them know early that the burial is urgent for religious reasons."},{"q":"Can women attend a Muslim burial?","a":"Practice varies between communities and mosques. Women commonly attend the janazah prayer, and some communities also welcome women at the graveside. Ask the mosque or family."},{"q":"Do you need a coffin for a Muslim burial in the UK?","a":"It depends on the cemetery. Some UK cemeteries allow burial in a shroud only; others require a coffin, which may be opened or used only for carrying. Check with the cemetery or a Muslim funeral director."}]},{"id":"jewish","name":"Jewish","tradition":"Judaism","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/jewish/","summary":"A Jewish funeral is traditionally a simple burial held as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, but never on Shabbat or major festivals. The burial society (Chevra Kadisha) prepares the body (tahara) and dresses it in white shrouds; mourners recite Kaddish and then sit shiva at home for seven days. Orthodox Judaism does not permit cremation; Reform and Liberal communities do.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial (cremation accepted in Reform and Liberal communities)","timing":"As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours; not on Shabbat or festivals","key_rite":"Tahara, keriah and the Mourner’s Kaddish","mourning":"Shiva (7 days), shloshim (30 days), Kaddish for 11 months for a parent","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Burial in Orthodox practice; cremation accepted by many Reform and Liberal communities","How soon":"As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours — not on Shabbat or major festivals","Who arranges it":"Usually the synagogue’s burial society (Chevra Kadisha) rather than a high-street funeral director","Preparation":"Tahara (ritual purification) and plain white shrouds (tachrichim); no embalming or viewing","Mourning":"Shiva for seven days at home, then shloshim to day 30; stone setting within about a year"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Dark, modest clothing. Men (and in some communities women) cover their heads — kippot are usually provided.","say":"“I wish you long life”, or the traditional “HaMakom yenachem etchem…” (“May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem”).","flowers":"Flowers are not customary. A donation to charity in the person’s memory is the usual gesture."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can Jewish people be cremated?","a":"Orthodox Judaism requires burial and does not permit cremation. Many Reform and Liberal communities accept cremation, and will still help with the funeral."},{"q":"Why are Jewish funerals held so quickly?","a":"Jewish law values burial as soon as possible as a mark of respect for the person who died. Funerals are not held on Shabbat or major festivals, so timing may move by a day or two."},{"q":"What is sitting shiva?","a":"Shiva is the seven-day period of mourning after the funeral, when close family stay at home, prayers are said and friends visit to offer comfort."},{"q":"Do I bring flowers to a Jewish funeral?","a":"No — flowers are not traditional. A charitable donation in memory of the person who died is the usual gesture."}]},{"id":"hindu","name":"Hindu","tradition":"Hinduism","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/hindu/","summary":"A Hindu funeral (antyesti, the last rite) is usually a cremation held as soon as possible. The body is washed and dressed by family, prayers and offerings are made, and the chief mourner — traditionally the eldest son — leads the rites. Many UK crematoria let the family witness the committal. Ashes are scattered in flowing water, and mourning rites continue for around 13 days.","burial_or_cremation":"Cremation (infants and some holy people may be buried)","timing":"As soon as possible — traditionally within a day, in the UK often within a week","key_rite":"Antyesti; the chief mourner leads the cremation rites","mourning":"Around 13 days, ending with shraddha rites; first-year observances","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Cremation for most adults; babies, young children and some holy people may be buried","How soon":"As soon as possible after death","Preparation":"Washed and dressed by family; tulsi leaves and Ganga jal (water from the Ganges) may be placed in the mouth","At the crematorium":"Many UK crematoria allow the chief mourner to witness the charging of the coffin","Ashes":"Scattered in flowing water — in India, or at designated UK river sites","Mourning":"Usually around 13 days, with a shraddha ceremony and later anniversaries"},"etiquette":{"wear":"White or light, modest clothing is traditional — black is usually avoided. Remove shoes before entering a home shrine or mandir.","say":"“Om Shanti” (“peace”), or simply offer your condolences and support.","flowers":"Flowers and garlands are welcome, often placed on or around the coffin."},"faqs":[{"q":"Are Hindus buried or cremated?","a":"Most Hindus are cremated. Babies, young children and some holy people (sannyasis) may be buried instead."},{"q":"Can the family watch the cremation in the UK?","a":"Yes, many UK crematoria allow the chief mourner and a small number of family members to witness the coffin being placed in the cremator. Ask the crematorium or your funeral director in advance."},{"q":"What do Hindus do with the ashes in the UK?","a":"Ashes are usually scattered in flowing water. Some families take them to India, while others use designated sites on UK rivers."},{"q":"What colour should you wear to a Hindu funeral?","a":"White or light-coloured, modest clothing is traditional. Black is generally avoided."}]},{"id":"sikh","name":"Sikh","tradition":"Sikhism","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/sikh/","summary":"A Sikh funeral (Antam Sanskar, the final rite) is usually a cremation. The body is washed and dressed by family with the five Ks left in place; prayers including Kirtan Sohila and Ardas are recited; and the family returns to the gurdwara for a reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sahaj Paath) that ends with the Bhog ceremony. Ashes are scattered in running water.","burial_or_cremation":"Cremation (burial is accepted where cremation is not possible)","timing":"As soon as practical — often within a few days in the UK","key_rite":"Antam Sanskar with Kirtan Sohila and Ardas","mourning":"Sahaj Paath over about ten days, ending with Bhog","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Cremation is the norm","Preparation":"Washed and dressed by family; the five Ks (kesh, kara, kanga, kachera, kirpan) are kept on the body","Service":"Prayers at home or gurdwara, Kirtan Sohila at the crematorium and the Ardas prayer","After the cremation":"Sahaj Paath — a complete reading of the Guru Granth Sahib — ending with the Bhog / Antim Ardas","Ashes":"Scattered in running water, often at Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab or a designated UK river site"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Modest clothing in white or muted colours. Everyone covers their head and removes their shoes in the gurdwara. Avoid bringing tobacco or alcohol.","say":"“Waheguru” or simply offer your condolences; loud displays of grief are generally discouraged.","flowers":"Flowers are acceptable but not essential; many families prefer donations to the gurdwara or a charity."},"faqs":[{"q":"Are Sikhs cremated or buried?","a":"Sikhs are usually cremated. Burial is accepted where cremation is not possible."},{"q":"What is the Bhog ceremony?","a":"Bhog marks the completion of the Sahaj Paath — a full reading of the Guru Granth Sahib held after the funeral — and includes a final Ardas prayer and karah prasad."},{"q":"What should I wear to a Sikh funeral?","a":"Modest clothing in white or muted colours, with your head covered in the gurdwara. Shoes are removed before entering the prayer hall."}]},{"id":"buddhist","name":"Buddhist","tradition":"Buddhism","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/buddhist/","summary":"Buddhist funerals vary by tradition and culture, but most are simple, reflective ceremonies focused on impermanence and on helping the person who died towards a good rebirth. Cremation is most common, monks or teachers may chant, and many families hold further ceremonies at seven-day intervals up to 49 days after death.","burial_or_cremation":"Usually cremation; burial is also acceptable","timing":"Varies — some traditions leave the body undisturbed for a time after death","key_rite":"Chanting, reflection and merit-making (dana)","mourning":"Ceremonies often on the 7th day and up to the 49th day","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Cremation is most common; burial is acceptable","Who leads":"A monk, nun or lay teacher from the family’s tradition — Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, Zen and others","Key practices":"Chanting, meditation on impermanence and merit-making (giving) on behalf of the person who died","After death":"Ceremonies at weekly intervals up to 49 days are common, especially in Chinese and Tibetan traditions"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Simple, modest clothing. White is traditional in many East Asian communities; dark, plain clothes are also common. Remove shoes in a temple.","say":"Quiet words of sympathy. Many people simply bow slightly with hands together.","flowers":"White flowers are usually appropriate; avoid red, which can signify celebration."},"faqs":[{"q":"Do Buddhists get cremated or buried?","a":"Cremation is most common, following the example of the Buddha, but burial is also acceptable."},{"q":"What is the 49-day period?","a":"Many Buddhist traditions believe rebirth happens within 49 days of death, so families hold prayers or ceremonies at seven-day intervals during this time."}]},{"id":"catholic","name":"Catholic","tradition":"Roman Catholic Church","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/catholic/","summary":"A Catholic funeral usually has three parts: a vigil or reception of the body into church the evening before, a Requiem (funeral) Mass, and the rite of committal at the grave or crematorium. The Church permits cremation but prefers burial, and asks that ashes are buried or placed in a sacred place rather than scattered or kept at home.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial preferred; cremation permitted","timing":"Usually within one to three weeks in the UK","key_rite":"Vigil, Requiem Mass and rite of committal","mourning":"Month’s Mind Mass about a month later; anniversary Masses","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Both are permitted; burial is preferred","Ashes":"Should be buried or interred in a sacred place — not scattered, divided or kept at home","Service":"Vigil (often the night before), Funeral Mass or funeral liturgy, and committal","Who to contact":"The parish priest of the person who died, alongside your funeral director","Afterwards":"A Month’s Mind Mass and anniversary Masses; Mass cards are a common gesture"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Dark or muted, smart clothing.","say":"“I’m so sorry for your loss”, or “May they rest in peace.” Offering a Mass card is a traditional gesture of sympathy.","flowers":"Flowers are welcome; some families ask for donations to a charity or the parish instead."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can Catholics be cremated?","a":"Yes. The Church allows cremation but prefers burial, and asks that ashes are buried or kept in a sacred place rather than scattered or kept at home."},{"q":"Can you have a eulogy at a Catholic funeral?","a":"Usually a short tribute is allowed, often before the final commendation. Rules vary by parish and diocese, so ask the priest."},{"q":"What is a Month’s Mind?","a":"A Mass celebrated about a month after the death to pray for the person who died — a particularly strong tradition in Irish Catholic families."}]},{"id":"church-of-england","name":"Church of England","tradition":"Church of England (Anglican)","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/church-of-england/","summary":"A Church of England funeral can be held in the parish church, at a crematorium or at a cemetery chapel, and is led by a vicar or other minister using the Common Worship funeral service. Anyone who lives in the parish can ask for one, whether or not they attended church. Both burial and cremation are accepted.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial or cremation","timing":"Usually two to four weeks in the UK","key_rite":"Common Worship funeral service with commendation and committal","mourning":"No set period; memorial services and All Souls’ commemorations","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Either is fine","Where":"Parish church, crematorium chapel, cemetery chapel or graveside","Who can have one":"Anyone living in the parish may ask the local vicar, regardless of church attendance","Churchyard burial":"Parishioners may be able to be buried in the churchyard if it is still open for burials","Fees":"Church fees are set nationally each year; your funeral director usually pays them as a disbursement"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Traditionally dark clothing, though many families now ask for bright colours or a particular theme.","say":"“I’m so sorry for your loss.” Sharing a memory of the person is always welcome.","flowers":"Flowers are welcome unless the family asks for donations instead."},"faqs":[{"q":"Do you have to go to church to have a Church of England funeral?","a":"No. Anyone who lives in a parish can ask the local vicar to take their funeral, whether or not they attended church."},{"q":"Can I be buried in a churchyard?","a":"Parishioners may be entitled to burial in the churchyard if it is still open for burials. Many churchyards are full, so ask the vicar or parish office."}]},{"id":"church-of-scotland","name":"Church of Scotland & Presbyterian","tradition":"Church of Scotland and Presbyterian churches","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/church-of-scotland/","summary":"Church of Scotland and other Presbyterian funerals are simple, Bible-centred services led by a minister in church, at a crematorium or at the graveside. Burial and cremation are both accepted. At Scottish burials, close family and friends are often invited to hold cords to lower the coffin into the grave.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial or cremation","timing":"Usually within one to two weeks in Scotland","key_rite":"Minister-led service; cord-bearers at the graveside","mourning":"No fixed period","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Either is accepted","Service":"Readings, prayers, psalms or hymns and a tribute, led by a minister","Scottish tradition":"Cord cards invite up to eight people to hold the cords that lower the coffin","Registration":"In Scotland a death must be registered within 8 days"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Dark, smart clothing is customary; some families request tartan or colours.","say":"“Sorry for your loss.”","flowers":"Often family flowers only, with donations to a named charity."},"faqs":[{"q":"What are cord cards at a Scottish funeral?","a":"They are small cards inviting named mourners to hold one of the cords used to lower the coffin into the grave — a traditional honour at Scottish burials."}]},{"id":"methodist","name":"Methodist","tradition":"Methodist Church","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/methodist/","summary":"A Methodist funeral is a warm, hymn-filled Christian service of thanksgiving and hope, usually led by a minister in a Methodist church or crematorium, using the Methodist Worship Book. Burial and cremation are both accepted, and families are encouraged to include personal tributes.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial or cremation","timing":"Usually two to three weeks in the UK","key_rite":"Service of thanksgiving with hymns, readings and commendation","mourning":"No fixed period","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Either is accepted","Service":"Hymns (often by Charles Wesley), readings, tribute, prayers, commendation and committal"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Dark or smart clothing, unless the family asks otherwise.","say":"“I’m sorry for your loss.”","flowers":"Flowers are welcome; donations are a common alternative."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can a Methodist funeral be at a crematorium?","a":"Yes. A Methodist minister can lead the whole service at a crematorium, or a church service can be followed by a committal at the crematorium or graveside."}]},{"id":"baptist","name":"Baptist","tradition":"Baptist churches","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/baptist/","summary":"A Baptist funeral is a Bible-centred Christian service, led by the church’s minister, focused on thanksgiving for the person’s life and the hope of resurrection. Services usually include hymns, prayers, Bible readings and a sermon, and may be held in church, at a crematorium or at the graveside. Burial and cremation are both accepted.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial or cremation","timing":"Usually two to three weeks in the UK","key_rite":"Service of thanksgiving with sermon","mourning":"No fixed period","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Either is accepted","Service":"Hymns, readings, prayers, a sermon and tributes, led by a minister"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Smart, usually dark clothing unless the family asks otherwise.","say":"“I’m sorry for your loss.”","flowers":"Flowers are welcome."},"faqs":[{"q":"Do Baptists allow cremation?","a":"Yes — Baptists accept both burial and cremation."}]},{"id":"orthodox","name":"Orthodox Christian","tradition":"Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/orthodox/","summary":"Orthodox Christian funerals — Greek, Russian, Romanian, Serbian, Coptic, Ethiopian and others — are sung services held in church with an open coffin, incense and candles. The Orthodox Church traditionally requires burial rather than cremation. Memorial services with koliva (boiled wheat) follow on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days and at the first anniversary.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial (cremation is traditionally not permitted)","timing":"Usually within a week or two in the UK","key_rite":"Funeral service with open coffin; the last kiss","mourning":"Memorials on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days and after one year","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Burial — many Orthodox churches will not hold a church funeral if cremation is chosen","Service":"Chanted funeral service, usually with an open coffin; mourners give a final farewell kiss","Memorials":"Trisagion prayers and memorials with koliva on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days, and yearly"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Dark, modest clothing. Women may cover their hair.","say":"“Memory eternal” (“Eonia i mnimi” in Greek; “Vechnaya pamyat” in Russian).","flowers":"Flowers are welcome."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can Orthodox Christians be cremated?","a":"The Orthodox Church traditionally requires burial, and many Orthodox churches will not hold a church funeral where cremation has been chosen. Speak to the parish priest."}]},{"id":"pentecostal-evangelical","name":"Pentecostal & Evangelical","tradition":"Pentecostal, Evangelical and Black-majority churches","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/pentecostal-evangelical/","summary":"Pentecostal and Evangelical funerals are often joyful “homegoing” celebrations of faith, with gospel music, testimonies and preaching. In many African and Caribbean communities in the UK the funeral is a large, long gathering, and mourners may help to fill the grave themselves. Burial is often preferred, though cremation is accepted.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial usually preferred; cremation accepted","timing":"Often two to four weeks or more, allowing family to travel","key_rite":"Homegoing service with worship, testimonies and preaching","mourning":"Varies — e.g. nine-night gatherings in Caribbean tradition","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Both accepted; burial is often preferred","Service style":"Lively worship, gospel choirs, testimonies and a sermon; services can last several hours","Graveside":"In many Caribbean families, mourners take turns filling in the grave, often while singing","Before the funeral":"Some Jamaican families hold a “nine night” gathering of prayer, food and music"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Smart clothes — sometimes white, or a colour chosen by the family.","say":"Words of comfort and faith are welcome.","flowers":"Flowers are welcome."},"faqs":[{"q":"What is a nine night?","a":"A Jamaican and wider Caribbean tradition of gathering at the family home, often for several evenings, ending on the ninth night after the death, with prayer, hymns, food and memories."}]},{"id":"quaker","name":"Quaker","tradition":"Religious Society of Friends","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/quaker/","summary":"A Quaker funeral is a “meeting for worship on the occasion of a funeral”: people sit together in silence, and anyone who feels moved to may stand and speak about the person who died. There is no minister or set liturgy. Burial and cremation are both accepted, and simplicity is valued.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial or cremation","timing":"Varies","key_rite":"Meeting for worship held largely in silence","mourning":"No fixed period; a memorial meeting may be held later","facts":{"Service":"Mostly silent; anyone may stand and share a memory","Leader":"No minister — elders help hold the meeting","Burial or cremation":"Either"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Plain, comfortable clothing.","say":"You may share a memory if you feel moved to; there is no obligation.","flowers":"Usually simple or none."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can non-Quakers speak at a Quaker funeral?","a":"Yes. Anyone present may stand and speak briefly if they feel moved to."}]},{"id":"jehovahs-witness","name":"Jehovah’s Witness","tradition":"Jehovah’s Witnesses","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/jehovahs-witness/","summary":"A Jehovah’s Witness funeral is a short, simple memorial held at a Kingdom Hall or funeral home, centred on a Bible-based talk by an elder about the hope of resurrection. It is often followed by a brief graveside or crematorium committal. Burial or cremation is a personal choice.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial or cremation (personal choice)","timing":"Varies","key_rite":"Memorial talk by a congregation elder","mourning":"No formal rituals","facts":{"Service":"About 30 minutes, with a talk, a song and prayer","Burial or cremation":"Personal choice","Customs":"Practices seen as unscriptural are avoided"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Smart, modest clothing.","say":"Simple condolences.","flowers":"Flowers are generally acceptable."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can Jehovah’s Witnesses be cremated?","a":"Yes — burial or cremation is a personal decision."}]},{"id":"christian","name":"Christian","tradition":"Christianity","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/christian/","summary":"A Christian funeral gives thanks for the person’s life and commends them to God in the hope of resurrection. It usually includes hymns, Bible readings, prayers, a tribute and a committal, held in a church, crematorium or cemetery chapel. Most denominations accept burial and cremation, although Orthodox churches traditionally require burial.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial or cremation (Orthodox: burial)","timing":"Usually two to three weeks in the UK","key_rite":"Service with readings, prayers, commendation and committal","mourning":"Varies by denomination and culture","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Both accepted by most churches; Orthodox churches traditionally require burial","Where":"Church, crematorium, cemetery chapel or graveside","Who leads":"A priest, vicar, minister or pastor — or a lay person in some churches"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Traditionally dark, smart clothing — but follow any dress code the family requests.","say":"“I’m so sorry for your loss.”","flowers":"Usually welcome."},"faqs":[{"q":"Do Christians allow cremation?","a":"Most Christian churches accept cremation. The Catholic Church permits it but prefers burial; Orthodox churches traditionally require burial."}]},{"id":"jain","name":"Jain","tradition":"Jainism","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/jain/","summary":"A Jain funeral is a simple cremation held as soon as possible, with prayers such as the Navkar Mantra. Jain teaching emphasises detachment and calm acceptance of death, so rites are modest, and ashes are usually immersed in flowing water.","burial_or_cremation":"Cremation","timing":"As soon as possible","key_rite":"Navkar Mantra and simple cremation rites","mourning":"Short and restrained","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Cremation","Prayers":"Navkar Mantra","Ashes":"Usually immersed in flowing water"},"etiquette":{"wear":"White or light, modest clothing.","say":"Quiet condolences.","flowers":"Simple flowers are acceptable."},"faqs":[{"q":"Are Jains cremated?","a":"Yes, cremation is the usual practice, carried out as soon as possible."}]},{"id":"bahai","name":"Bahá’í","tradition":"Bahá’í Faith","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/bahai/","summary":"Bahá’í law asks for burial rather than cremation, within one hour’s journey of the place of death, and without embalming unless the law requires it. The body is washed and wrapped in silk or cotton, a burial ring is placed on the finger of adults, and the congregational Prayer for the Dead is recited. The service is simple and can include readings from any faith.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial (cremation is not permitted)","timing":"No fixed time; burial within an hour’s journey of the place of death","key_rite":"Prayer for the Dead","mourning":"No fixed period","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Burial","Location":"Within one hour’s journey from the place of death","Embalming":"Avoided unless required by law","Prayer":"The Prayer for the Dead, for adults aged 15 and over"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Smart, modest clothing.","say":"Simple condolences.","flowers":"Flowers are welcome."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can Bahá’ís be cremated?","a":"No. Bahá’í law asks for burial, ideally within an hour’s travel of where the person died."}]},{"id":"zoroastrian","name":"Zoroastrian","tradition":"Zoroastrianism","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/zoroastrian/","summary":"Zoroastrian (Parsi and Irani) funerals begin with prayers and ritual preparation soon after death, followed by a four-day period of ceremonies for the soul. In the UK — where traditional towers of silence are not available — families use burial or cremation, and Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey has had a dedicated Zoroastrian section since the 1860s.","burial_or_cremation":"In the UK: burial or cremation","timing":"Prompt — rites run over the first four days","key_rite":"Geh-sarna prayers; Uthamna on the third day","mourning":"Four days of rites, then monthly and annual ceremonies","facts":{"Burial or cremation":"Burial or cremation in the UK","UK cemetery":"Brookwood Cemetery, Surrey, has a Zoroastrian section","Ceremonies":"Prayers over four days, with the Uthamna on the third day"},"etiquette":{"wear":"White clothing is traditional.","say":"Quiet condolences.","flowers":"Ask the family."},"faqs":[{"q":"Where are Zoroastrians buried in the UK?","a":"Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey has had a dedicated Zoroastrian burial ground since the 1860s; families also use local cemeteries and crematoria."}]},{"id":"humanist","name":"Humanist","tradition":"Humanism","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/humanist/","summary":"A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony led by a trained humanist celebrant. It focuses on the life, personality and relationships of the person who died, with tributes, music and readings chosen by the family, and no hymns or prayers — though a quiet moment of reflection lets religious guests pray privately. It can be held anywhere, with burial or cremation.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial, cremation or natural burial","timing":"Flexible","key_rite":"Celebrant-led celebration of the person’s life","mourning":"No set period","facts":{"Who leads":"A humanist celebrant — e.g. accredited by Humanists UK, or Humanist Society Scotland","Content":"Life story, tributes, music and poetry; no religious content","Where":"Crematorium, natural burial ground, hotel, village hall, garden or home"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Whatever the family asks — often bright colours.","say":"Share a memory; there are no set words.","flowers":"Welcome, unless donations are requested."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can you have hymns at a humanist funeral?","a":"Humanist ceremonies don’t include hymns or prayers, but many include a moment of quiet reflection so that religious guests can pray privately."}]},{"id":"non-religious","name":"Non-religious & civil","tradition":"Non-religious and civil ceremonies","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/non-religious/","summary":"A non-religious or civil funeral can be as personal as you like. It is usually led by an independent or civil celebrant, and can mix non-religious tributes with a hymn or prayer if the family wants. In the UK there is no legal requirement to have any ceremony, use a funeral director or hold the funeral in a particular place — only to register the death and dispose of the body lawfully.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial, cremation, natural burial or direct cremation","timing":"Flexible","key_rite":"Celebrant- or family-led celebration of life","mourning":"No set period","facts":{"Who leads":"A civil or independent celebrant, a friend or family member","Religious content":"Optional — a civil ceremony can include a hymn or prayer if you wish","Legal requirements":"Register the death and obtain the right paperwork; a ceremony itself is optional","Popular options":"Direct cremation with a later memorial, natural burial, or a party-style celebration of life"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Whatever the family asks.","say":"Share a memory or simply say you’re sorry.","flowers":"Welcome unless donations are requested."},"faqs":[{"q":"Do you have to have a funeral service?","a":"No. In the UK there is no legal requirement to hold a ceremony. You must register the death and arrange a lawful burial or cremation; many people choose direct cremation and hold a memorial later."}]},{"id":"pagan","name":"Pagan","tradition":"Paganism (including Wicca, Druidry and Heathenry)","url":"https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/pagan/","summary":"Pagan funerals — whether Wiccan, Druid, Heathen or eclectic — usually celebrate death as part of the natural cycle of life, often outdoors or at a natural burial ground. They may include casting a circle, calling the elements, readings and a farewell rite, led by a Pagan priest, priestess or celebrant. Burial and cremation are both used.","burial_or_cremation":"Burial (often natural burial) or cremation","timing":"Flexible","key_rite":"Rite of passage marking the return to nature","mourning":"Often remembered at Samhain","facts":{"Where":"Often outdoors or at a natural burial ground","Who leads":"A Pagan priest/priestess or celebrant","Remembrance":"Samhain (31 October) is a traditional time to honour the dead"},"etiquette":{"wear":"Ask the family — natural colours are common.","say":"Simple condolences; “Blessed be” is familiar to many Pagans.","flowers":"Natural, seasonal flowers suit most ceremonies."},"faqs":[{"q":"Can a Pagan funeral be held at a crematorium?","a":"Yes. Many crematoria accommodate Pagan ceremonies, although natural burial grounds are a popular choice."}]}]}