Religious tradition shapes almost every part of a burial in the US: how soon it happens, how the body is prepared, whether cremation is acceptable, what the grave looks like and which cemetery the family chooses. Some traditions, such as Judaism and Islam, call for burial as quickly as possible without embalming, while many Christian traditions allow more time and a wider range of choices. Practices also vary within each faith, so the family's own clergy or community is always the best guide.
This overview is meant to help families, friends and visitors understand the main customs they are likely to meet. It is not a substitute for guidance from a religious leader.
At a glance
| Tradition | Typical timing | Embalming | Cremation | Cemetery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | Several days to a week | Allowed | Allowed; ashes should be buried or placed in a sacred place | Catholic cemeteries or consecrated sections |
| Jewish | As soon as possible, ideally within a day or so | Traditionally avoided | Traditionally prohibited; some Reform Jews accept it | Jewish cemeteries or Jewish sections |
| Muslim | As soon as possible, often within 24 hours | Avoided | Prohibited | Muslim cemeteries or Muslim sections |
| Protestant | Flexible | Allowed | Widely accepted | Any, including church cemeteries |
| Eastern Orthodox | Usually within a few days | Allowed in many cases | Generally not permitted | Orthodox cemeteries or sections |
| Latter-day Saint | Flexible | Allowed | Permitted, but burial is traditionally preferred | Any, including community and church cemeteries |
Catholic
A Catholic funeral traditionally has three parts: a vigil (often called a wake), a funeral Mass or liturgy, and the rite of committal at the grave. Burial in a Catholic cemetery, which is consecrated ground, is customary, though burial in other cemeteries is common too, often with a priest blessing the grave.
The Catholic Church has permitted cremation since 1963, while still expressing a preference for burial of the body. In 2016, the Vatican issued guidance that cremated remains should be kept in a sacred place, such as a cemetery grave or a columbarium niche, rather than scattered, divided or kept at home. Many Catholic cemeteries now have columbaria for this reason. See what a columbarium is and browse Catholic cemeteries.
Jewish
Jewish tradition calls for burial as soon as possible after death, ideally within a day, out of respect for the dead. Burials are not held on the Sabbath or on major holidays, and families may wait a short time for relatives to travel.
Traditional practices include:
- Tahara, a ritual washing performed by a chevra kadisha (burial society)
- Tachrichim, plain white linen shrouds
- A simple wooden casket, often with no metal, or in some communities burial in the shroud alone where permitted
- No embalming and usually no open-casket viewing
- Mourners placing earth into the grave, often with a shovel held upside down at first
- Shiva, a seven-day mourning period at home after the burial
- An unveiling, when the headstone is dedicated, often around the first anniversary of the death
Orthodox and Conservative Judaism traditionally prohibit cremation, while many Reform Jews accept it. Visitors often leave small stones on the headstone as a sign of remembrance. Browse Jewish cemeteries or narrow by state, such as Jewish cemeteries in New York.
Muslim
Islamic tradition also calls for burial as soon as possible, often within 24 hours. Key practices include:
- Ghusl, a ritual washing, usually performed by family members or community volunteers of the same gender
- Kafan, a plain white shroud
- Salat al-Janazah, the funeral prayer, usually held at a mosque or at the cemetery
- Burial facing Mecca, with the body placed on its right side, facing the qibla
- No embalming unless required by law, and no cremation
In many Muslim countries the body is buried without a casket. In the US, some cemeteries require a casket or grave liner, and Muslim cemeteries and Muslim sections often work with families to follow tradition as closely as local rules allow. Graves are usually simple. Browse Muslim cemeteries in the directory.
Protestant
Protestant traditions vary widely, from Lutheran and Episcopal liturgies to simple services in independent churches. In general:
- Timing is flexible, and a funeral or memorial service may come before or after the burial.
- Embalming and viewing are common but not required.
- Cremation is widely accepted in most Protestant denominations.
- Burial may take place in any cemetery, including church cemeteries next to the congregation's building.
Many historic Protestant congregations maintain their own burial grounds. You can browse Lutheran cemeteries and church cemeteries in general.
Some traditions have especially distinctive customs. Quakers historically favored plain, uniform grave markers, or none at all, reflecting a belief in simplicity and equality. Mennonite and Amish communities also typically use simple, uniform markers and plain wooden caskets. See Quaker cemeteries and Mennonite cemeteries.
Eastern Orthodox
Orthodox Christian traditions, including Greek, Russian, Serbian, Antiochian and others, typically hold a funeral service in church with an open casket, followed by burial. Practices often include:
- A Trisagion prayer service, often the evening before the funeral
- Burial, commonly with the body facing east
- Memorial services at set times, including the 40th day after death and the anniversary
- Koliva, a dish of boiled wheat, served at memorials in many communities
The Orthodox Church generally does not permit cremation, and a person who chose cremation may not receive a full Orthodox funeral in some jurisdictions. Browse Orthodox cemeteries.
Latter-day Saint
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints usually hold a funeral in a meetinghouse, followed by burial. Endowed members are often dressed in temple clothing for burial. At the graveside, a priesthood holder commonly offers a prayer dedicating the grave.
Burial is traditionally preferred, but the Church does not prohibit cremation and leaves the decision to the family. Latter-day Saints are buried in many kinds of cemeteries, including community cemeteries. Browse Latter-day Saint cemeteries.
Other traditions
Families of many other faiths also live in the US:
- Hindu tradition generally calls for cremation, typically soon after death, with ashes often scattered in flowing water.
- Buddhist practice varies by tradition and culture, and both cremation and burial are common.
- Sikh tradition generally calls for cremation.
- Bahá'í tradition calls for burial, without embalming unless required, and within an hour's travel of the place of death where possible.
Families from these traditions may use a cemetery with a dedicated section or a funeral home familiar with their customs.
Practical tips for families
- Contact clergy or community early. They often coordinate with the funeral home and cemetery.
- Ask about timing. If a faith requires quick burial, tell the funeral home and cemetery right away. Some cemeteries can arrange burials outside normal hours.
- Check cemetery rules. Vault, casket and marker rules can affect customs, especially for Muslim and Jewish burials.
- Ask about religious sections. Many municipal and nondenominational cemeteries have sections for particular faiths.
Our guide on how long after death a funeral happens covers timing in more detail.