For Armenian families, the process of saying goodbye to a loved one is deeply rooted in cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. Choosing the right Armenian funeral home becomes a crucial decision as families look to honor their heritage while navigating the complexities of modern life in a diverse city.

The ideal funeral home not only understands the nuances of Armenian funeral customs but also offers the flexibility to accommodate personal preferences and contemporary needs.

‍

If you are planning an Armenian funeral, remember that there is no right or wrong way to say goodbye. You are welcome to accept, reject, or modify any of the customs outlined below to create the right send-off for your loved one. Meadow can provide a customized memorial service incorporating these traditions, and that memorial can be followed with a cremation.

‍

Why Choosing the Right Armenian Funeral Home in Los Angeles Matters

When facing the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want is to struggle with decisions about funeral arrangements and whether or not they honor your cultural heritage. Choosing the right Armenian funeral home in Los Angeles is crucial for ensuring a meaningful, respectful, and healing farewell that aligns with your traditions and values.

‍

A cultural understanding of Armenian traditions

The Armenian community has a rich history and deep-rooted funeral customs that have been passed down through generations. A funeral home with genuine cultural understanding can:
‍

• Provide comfort and guidance during a difficult time by speaking your language, both literally and figuratively.
  
  
• Anticipate your needs and preferences without requiring extensive explanations.
  
  
• Offer suggestions for incorporating meaningful Armenian rituals and symbols into the service.
  
  
• Help bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern considerations.
  
  
• Ensure that every aspect of the funeral, from the wake to the burial or cremation, respects Armenian cultural norms.

‍

What to look for when selecting the right funeral home

When selecting an Armenian funeral home in Los Angeles, consider the following key factors:

‍

Facilities:

• Look for a funeral home with spaces that can accommodate Armenian funeral customs, such as areas for the wake (Hokehankist) and family prayers.
  
  
• Ensure the chapel or service area is large enough to comfortably host your family and community.
  
  
• Check if there are appropriate facilities for preparing and serving food after the service, as hospitality is an important aspect of Armenian funerals.

‍

Flexibility:

• Choose a funeral home that can adapt to your specific needs and preferences.
  
  
• Look for providers who offer a range of services, from traditional burials to more modern options like cremation.
  
  
• Ensure they can work with your chosen clergy or collaborate with Armenian churches in the area.

‍

Cultural sensitivity:

• Look for a funeral home with staff who understand and respect Armenian funeral traditions.
  
  
• Look for providers who can offer guidance on incorporating both religious and cultural elements into the service.
  
  
• Choose a funeral home that demonstrates respect for Armenian customs, such as the significance of the open casket, the role of the clergy, and the importance of family participation.
  ‍

By carefully considering these factors, you can find an Armenian funeral home in Los Angeles that will provide a truly meaningful and culturally appropriate farewell for your loved one. 

‍

How Meadow Supports Armenian Funeral Traditions

At Meadow, we understand the importance of honoring Armenian funeral traditions while providing personalized, modern services. Here's how we support your family during this time:

‍

Personalized approach:

Our process begins with a thoughtful initial call where we listen carefully to your desires and concerns. We then pair you with an experienced memorial planner who works closely with you to create a comprehensive package that blends traditional Armenian funeral customs with any personal touches you wish to include.

‍

Flexible venue options:

Meadow offers a diverse array of venue choices across Los Angeles County. For families wishing to honor a loved one who cherished nature, we can arrange a serene beachfront service or even a boat scattering. 

If your family member was deeply spiritual, we have connections with beautiful churches and temples that welcome all faiths, allowing for a traditional Armenian Apostolic service if desired.

‍

Customized memorial services:

Meadow takes pride in creating memorial services that are as unique as the individual being honored. We can help you design a program that includes meaningful readings in Armenian and English, organize a photo display showcasing your loved one's life journey, and even arrange for traditional Armenian symbolic elements like the use of incense or specific floral arrangements.

‍

Complete planning support:

Understanding the emotional toll of losing a loved one, Meadow's dedicated memorial planners take on the burden of logistics, allowing you to focus on your family and your grief. Our support goes beyond the basics — we assist with every detail and manage all aspects of coordination, logistics, and operations.

‍

Transparent pricing:

At Meadow, we believe in providing clear, upfront pricing to alleviate any financial stress during this difficult time. We offer detailed breakdowns of our services, ensuring you understand exactly what is included in your chosen package.

‍

Day-of coordination:

On the day of the service, your Meadow planner will arrive early to oversee all setup, from arranging flowers to testing audio equipment for eulogies. They coordinate with clergy, musicians, and catering staff, allowing you and your family to be fully present in the moment.

‍

Accommodating both traditional and modern preferences:

Meadow excels at bridging the gap between time-honored Armenian funeral traditions and contemporary memorial practices. Whatever your preference, Meadow ensures that your loved one's farewell is both culturally respectful and personally meaningful.

‍

Cremation and Armenian Funeral Practices

While cremation was legalized in Armenia in 2006, it remains a sensitive topic due to deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions. However, practical considerations are gradually shifting preferences, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles, which is a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs.

At Meadow, we understand the complex feelings surrounding cremation in the Armenian community. We recognize that for many, the idea of cremation may conflict with traditional beliefs about burial and resurrection.
‍

We also see a growing number of Armenian-American families considering cremation for various reasons:

• Space constraints: Unlike in Armenia, where cemeteries are government-owned, burial plots in Los Angeles can be extremely costly and difficult to obtain.
  
  
• Environmental concerns: Some families are becoming more eco-conscious and view cremation as a more sustainable option.
  
  
• Flexibility: Cremation allows for more flexible memorial service timing and location options.

‍

How Meadow blends Armenian traditions with modern choices

At Meadow, we believe that choosing cremation doesn't mean abandoning meaningful Armenian funeral traditions. We work closely with families to create services that honor their heritage while accommodating modern preferences:
‍

• Pre-cremation viewing: We can arrange for a traditional wake (Hokehankist) with an open casket before cremation, allowing for family prayers and final goodbyes.
  
  
• Incorporation of religious elements: While the Armenian Apostolic Church doesn't officially endorse cremation, we can work with willing clergy to incorporate prayers and blessings into the service.
  
  
• Traditional symbols: We help families include important Armenian symbols and customs in the memorial service, such as the use of incense, candles, or specific floral arrangements.
  
  
• Ash scattering ceremonies: For families choosing not to keep or bury the ashes, we can organize meaningful ash scattering ceremonies that incorporate Armenian prayers and traditions.
  ‍

Our goal is to create a bridge between time-honored Armenian customs and contemporary memorial practices, ensuring that the essence of Armenian funeral traditions is preserved even when choosing cremation.

‍

Memorial services and celebrations of life following cremation

Meadow specializes in creating beautiful, personalized memorial services and celebrations of life that honor Armenian heritage. Here’s what we provide:
‍

• Flexible venues: Without the need for immediate burial, families have more options for service locations. We can arrange ceremonies in churches, beachfront spaces, gardens, or other meaningful locations.
  
  
• Personalized tributes: We help create multimedia presentations, memory books, or displays that celebrate the deceased's life and Armenian heritage.
  
  
• Traditional memorial meal (Hokejash): We assist in organizing this important gathering, ensuring traditional Armenian dishes are served alongside any modern preferences.
  
  
• Keepsake options: We offer various options for keeping or sharing cremated remains, including decorative urns with Armenian motifs or the creation of memorial jewelry.
  
  
• Permanent memorialization: For families wanting a physical place to visit, we can help arrange for the interment of ashes in a columbarium or the purchase of a memorial plaque in a designated location.

‍

Plan an Armenian Funeral With Meadow

We hope this guide helps you find the right Armenian funeral home for your loved one. If you’re considering Meadow Memorials, we’re grateful for your trust and support. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the funeral service reflects your family's wishes and cultural heritage.

Here's how we work with you to plan an Armenian funeral:
‍

• Initial consultation: We begin with a detailed discussion to understand your family's needs, preferences, and any specific Armenian customs you wish to incorporate.
  
  
• Personalized planning: Our experienced event planner works closely with you to design a service that blends traditional Armenian elements with personal touches, coordinating with clergy if desired.
  
  
• Venue selection: We help you choose the perfect location, whether it's a traditional church setting or a unique space that reflects your loved one's personality.
  
  
• Memorial meal coordination: We assist in planning the Hokejash, ensuring traditional Armenian dishes are available alongside any modern preferences.
  
  
• Customized elements: From selecting appropriate music and readings to arranging for traditional symbols like incense and candles, we help personalize every detail.
  
  
• Complete packages: Our services include venue rental, catering, flowers, audiovisual support, printed materials, and day-of coordination, all tailored to honor Armenian funeral traditions.
  ‍

Explore our cremation & personalized memorial services.