The funeral rite in the Anglo-Saxon tradition

Funeral  rites vary according to the religion and customs of each country. In many films, for example, we are used to seeing the celebrations of Anglo-Saxon rites, which attract our curiosity because they are so different from ours.

At the base there is of course the idea of getting together to pay the last goodbye to the deceased, but while in Italy this moment is associated with a feeling of discouragement, pain and despair, in many countries, such as the Anglo-Saxon ones, the tradition is decidedly different.

The

origins of funeral refreshments actually date back to many years ago, precisely to the period of ancient Rome. History teaches us that the cult of the dead was deeply felt by the ancient Romans, so much so that they dedicated constant care and attention to the deceased, a symbol of affection and respect, as well as closeness.

The rite was basically divided into two moments: funus, i.e. all the operations of dressing, exposition and procession that accompanied the body in the afterlife, and the refrigeria, or banquet. The meaning of the banquet, held at the tomb of the deceased, was to make the deceased himself participate as a silent and invisible guest.

Over time, these banquets lost their deep meaning to become a display of wealth and luxury by the wealthiest families.

Anglo-Saxon funeral banquets

As with many traditions, the funeral banquet has also changed over the years, taking on a different meaning and form depending on the countries of the world.

Among all, the Anglo-Saxon countries are the ones that are most associated with the idea of the ''funeral party'', the reception in honor of the deceased. It is traditional to set up real banquets, complete with catering and live music, to socialize and celebrate the passage of the deceased to a different, better life.

We chat, we remember the happy moments spent next to the person who is no longer with us, we exchange thoughts, memories and hopes. The atmosphere is very familiar and welcoming, and at the end of the refreshments, very often the family of the deceased organizes a fundraiser in his honor, then donating the sum to charities and their social causes, thus making one or more donations in memory.