Why shouldn't you go straight home after a funeral?

Asked by: Katherine Kunde IV  |  Last update: September 1, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (63 votes)

Some cultural beliefs suggest that going home directly after a funeral might bring bad luck or offend the spirit of the deceased. Therefore, many people choose to gather in a different location as part of their mourning traditions and post-funeral practices.

Should you go straight home after a funeral?

The bereaved understand it may be difficult to express your sympathy, but would much rather hear some genuine words. If there wasn't a dinner or supper after the service, consider not going straight home. Community and being with others is important, a must really.

What not to do after a funeral?

Don't Rush to Leave: After the service, take some time to offer condolences and support to the grieving family before leaving. Rushing to exit can be seen as insensitive. In conclusion, proper funeral etiquette is a mark of respect and empathy for the deceased and their grieving loved ones.

What is the superstition about funeral procession?

Hold your breath while passing a cemetery to avoid attracting the attention of the spirits inside. Interrupting a funeral procession may bring the wrath of evil spirits or the deceased upon you.

What is the most disrespectful thing to do at a funeral?

However, one thing that is never okay to do is to bring drugs or drinks to a funeral or to show up intoxicated. This is the number one sign of complete disrespect and rudeness. Imagine if it was your funeral. You wouldn't want someone opening a beer or having a hidden flask of drinks.

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22 related questions found

Is it rude to touch the body at a funeral?

While attending a funeral, it is important to be mindful of personal boundaries and respectful of the deceased and their family. Touching the body may be appropriate in some cultures or religions, but it is not always expected or necessary.

Why shouldn't you wear new clothes to a funeral?

You may be wondering about wearing new clothes to a funeral, but you aren't supposed to do this, especially shoes. Wearing black in mourning goes back to ancient Roman times. It's likely that the Victorian elite ritualized it. Wearing new shoes to a memorial, in particular, would bring great misfortune.

Do not go straight home after attending a wake.?

Pagpag is the practice of making a short pit stop before going home after a wake. The belief is that this will confuse any spirits who are trying to make their way home with you. For the younger generation (or less superstitious people), it can also be a good way to decompress with others before heading home.

Why is a coffin carried feet first?

It is important to remember that, when carrying a coffin or casket, the person inside is always carried feet first – the only exception is a vicar, who is carried head first to face their congregation. Coffins are carried feet first simply because of health and safety, rather than any kind of ceremonial tradition.

Why can't you wear red to a funeral superstition?

Why you shouldn't wear red to a funeral. Wearing red to a funeral can be a sign of disrespect. It will give others a completely wrong impression if you wear a bright and bold colour to a funeral, as this goes against the dark, muted colours associated with sadness and mourning.

Why shouldn't you always tell your bank when someone dies?

If you contact the bank before consulting an attorney, you risk account freezes, which could severely delay auto-payments and direct deposits and most importantly mortgage payments. You should call Social Security right away to tell them about the death of your loved one.

Why can't you cut hair after a funeral?

This comes from the idea that the dead parent gave the children their nails and hair, so they should not be cut during the mourning period or after the burial.

What happens immediately after a funeral?

It is common for family members to wait at the exit and thank guests as they leave the funeral. If it's a burial, the coffin will be transported to the cemetery or burial ground where pallbearers or a team organised by your Funeral Director will lift the coffin and lower it into the grave.

What is the etiquette after a funeral?

Follow Up with Kindness. If you've not already done so, this is a good time to send the family a sympathy note or card. About a week after the funeral, pick up the phone to check in with them to see if there's anything they need.

Is it rude not to go to the wake after a funeral?

It is respectful to attend both, but not compulsory.

Can you shower after a funeral?

According to the beliefs of astrology, water is considered to be a purifying agent as it is associated with purity, cleansing, and renewal. You are advised to bathe after a funeral to wash away the impurities, both physical and spiritual, with water.

Why do you bury someone 6 feet?

An ancient practice of burying dead people six feet underground may have helped mask the odor of decay from predators. Similarly, random disturbances, such as plowing, would be unable to reach a person buried six feet underneath. Preventing the Spread of Disease was another major reason.

Why don't they show the legs in a casket?

The most common reason for covering legs in an open-casket setting is that the primary focus of these showings is the departed's face, and covering the legs can help draw focus to that area.

Why do they cross your arms in a casket?

Body positioning. Burials may be placed in a number of different positions. Bodies with the arms crossed date back to ancient cultures such as Chaldea in the 10th century BC, where the "X" symbolized their sky god.

Why do you need to cut the rosary when someone dies?

And yes, for Catholics, a rosary is usually put in the hands of the dead person. But then there are a number of superstitions. According to some, one must make sure the rosary is broken before the person gets buried to ensure that no other death in the family would follow soon.

Why can't you say thank you to condolences?

“Often the single best response to written and verbal condolences is to say 'thank you,'” adds Fisher. A simple “thank you” is a polite response to all types of people offering their condolences. If no other words come to you, be OK with that.

What is the superstition about tears on caskets?

The Filipinos also avoid crying near to the deceased so that tears cannot fall onto the coffin (it is believed that will create the deceased's spirit difficulty in making the transition from earth to the afterlife) or taking a bath or combing their hair during the wake because the superstition is that it will bring bad ...

What color should you avoid at a funeral?

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

Do funeral homes need undergarments on deceased?

Although undergarments will not be seen, it is always nice and suggested that you add them anyway. This ensures that your loved one is properly dressed and will be buried with the dignity and respect they deserve.

What does it mean if it rains during your funeral?

If it were to rain during a funeral, it was seen as a representation of new growth and cleansing. Because of this, rain was considered good luck at a funeral and welcomed. Also from the Victorian era comes the belief that when you hear thunder after a burial, it meant the spirit had made it to heaven.