Has anyone been to a funeral and just thought of it as strange?

Question

I know that sounds horrible to say! But, we went to my fathers uncles funeral today and I have never been to a funeral like it before! Of course, when I asked my grandmother about it she said it was a very normal funeral.

I am used to the kind of funeral where everybody talks about the deceased person and brings back good memories.

The funeral we went to today.. they sang 3 songs and the Preacher did nothing but talk about how the world could end any minute.

I just thought it was strange, nothing really was said about my fathers uncle. I just thought it was a really odd funeral, but of course, my grandmother said that is how the original funerals were "back in the day."

Anyone else been to a funeral and just thought it was odd/strange?

Also, is it "normal" or common to have a meal after a funeral?

Wasn't sure where to put this..

Answer 1

I have often thought it was kind of a strange ritual.  Just like the wake/viewing...people sitting around staring at a dead body.  In my region, at least, it is typical to have a meal after a funeral.

Answer 2

Yes, the meal is the way it goes. But I know what you mean about the preacher getting carried away and preaching like it is Sunday morning and not a funeral. I hate that. It is like they don't even know what to say about the person that has passed away.

Answer 3

I've unfortunately been to a number of funerals all different in there own way, but all revolved around the deceased and not the end of the world! A wake with food and drink for people to gather afterwards and remember the person who died is very common. Some funerals are sad others a celebration of their lives. Yours does sound like a old fashioned funeral but not hugely weird or strange. As long as you and your family had your chance to say goodbye and remember your fathers uncle then hopefully the experience helped in some way. Grief is different for all of us and sometimes makes people act or do thing which appear strange.  

Answer 4

I know what you mean.  I agree, and it's further weird to me that it's done right next to the body.

I think we should have these sort of ceremonies before the person dies so he/she kows how special he/she was to others.

Answer 5

All the funerals I have been to have always talked about the deceased person. Then afterwards we would go to someone's house and have a meal there.

Answer 6

It is normal for food after the funeral.

There should have been things like memories being said, however, that seems strange they didn't have that.

Answer 7

I just went to a funeral in Romania and they have very different funeral ceremonies.

Yes there was a little meal after the visiting for 2 nights and then a large meal after the burial.

It seemed like a lot of work to me!

Answer 8

that funeral does sound kinda strange to me.  Never been to one like that.  And as for eating after that is normal.  Usually after funerals the family gets together and celebrates (for lack of a better term) the passing on to a better place.