While some consider funerals a celebration of life, for others they are solemn occasions. Well, every community has different beliefs.
In simple words, funerals are a way to celebrate the life of a deceased and say him/her one last goodbye. It also offers an opportunity to close friends and family to gather and show how much they cared about the departed one.
If you have recently lost a loved one, you’d probably be planning to attend their funeral. Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder of Scarpaci Funeral Home, explains that funerals are important events for the family and friends of the deceased one. They are sensitive occasions, and thus one small mistake may hurt the sentiments of the deceased’s family and friends. Therefore, it’s important that people attending the funeral follow some etiquettes.
Here are some of the phone etiquette you should follow while attending a funeral.
- Try to avoid using your cell phone
Needless to mention, you must try to avoid using your cell phone during a funeral no matter what. People attending the funeral are still mourning the loss of their loved ones. Therefore, it may offend them if someone finds you using your cell phone. Using a phone during a funeral is considered as an invasion of the grieving family’s privacy. Even if you just glance at your phone, it may signify that you are not interested in the funeral which could be interpreted as disrespectful.
- Put your phone on silent mode
Don’t even think about vibration mode! Putting your phone on vibration can still cause some disturbance and may attract attention at a quiet event like a funeral or a memorial service. Even though it’s often recommended to keep it away during the entire ceremony, you can put it on silent if you think you need your phone with you all the time. However, this does not mean you cannot excuse yourself to attend an urgent call. It’s important that you don’t hurt anyone while using your phone.
- Take prior permission for clicking pictures or recording videos
Although most families don’t like the idea of clicking pictures or recording videos, you can still ask for permission beforehand if you want to do so. There are many families who are open to the idea and may allow you to take pictures and videos. Also, make sure you are considerate of other people’s feelings and don’t disrespect them if you get permission.
If you keep these etiquettes in mind, you don’t have to worry about hurting anyone’s sentiments while attending the funeral.
Michael Scarpaci 