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Commonly Used Terms
The following are some words that have been developed in hopes of easing the reality concerning the death of a loved one.
Ashes: This refers to the cremated remains. The cremated remains are not ashes, but actual skeletal fragments that have been processed into very tiny pieces.
Cremains: This refers to the cremated remains left after a body has been cremated. No such term actually exists; the correct term is cremated remains.
 Inurnment: This is the placing of the urn in the earth or in a columbarium. Again, no such word exists; for example, we do not say “incasketment” to describe burial.
Visitation: This refers to the time when people come to view the deceased.
Funeral Service Vocabulary
The following are words that are closely associated with funeral service. However, many people are confused to what they actually mean:
Casket Biers: A stationary stand where the casket is placed, usually for viewing the deceased at the funeral chapel/home.
Casket Spray: An arrangement of flowers that is placed on top of the casket.
Church Truck/Casket Truck: A four-wheeled carriage that the casket is placed on in front of the chapel or church. It provides ease of movement for the casket.
 Columbarium: An above ground structure where cremated remains are placed.
Eulogy: A tribute involving the life of the deceased. Usually, it is delivered by a family member, close friend, or clergy.
Honorary Pallbearers: Family members or close friends who would normally be pallbearers,but for varying reasons, such as age, health, etc., they are unable to do so. The family wishes to recognize their importance to the deceased so they are named honorary pallbearers.
Mausoleum: An above ground structure where the casket and deceased are placed. It is an alternative to burial.
Niche: One of the small compartments in a columbarium where the urn and cremated remains are placed.
Pall: A large, rectangular, usually white, cloth placed over the casket to symbolize the garment of salvation. So, in the eyes of the Lord, in the presence of the people, all individuals are considered equal. This practice of covering the casket remains a custom practiced by most Catholics.
Pallbearers: The people who carry the casket, usually consisting of six individuals. They can be either male or female. Traditionally, the casket
was draped in a white cloth, called a pall; hence, the term pallbearer, rather than casketbearer.
 Viewing: A time when family and friends can gather to see the deceased.
Vigil Rites or Prayers: It is a gathering, of family and friends for a short service of celebration. It is usually held in a church or funeral chapel the night before the actual funeral service or mass. Many people refer to Vigil Rites as prayers but the correct term is Vigil Rites. This ceremony is commonly practiced by Catholic families, but Protestant churches have, on occasion, held prayers.
Visitation Room, Reposing Room, Viewing Room, or Slumber Room: A room in the funeral home where the casket is placed so family and friends may pay their respects to the deceased.
Wake: A celebration the night before the service, traditionally, the deceased is present. This ritual varies from faith to faith.
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