Across the world, cultures express grief and remembrance in unique and beautiful ways. Funeral traditions offer a window into a society's beliefs about death, the afterlife, and how to support those who are grieving.

Armenian funeral traditions are particularly rich in symbolism and deep meaning. If you've ever been curious about these customs, perhaps you're attending an Armenian funeral, or simply want to learn more, this guide is for you.

Here, we'll dive into the essential elements of Armenian funeral traditions, from pre-funeral preparations to post-funeral observances. Understanding these customs can allow you to participate in a respectful and meaningful way.

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.

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Does the Armenian Church Allow Cremation?

Traditionally, Armenian Apostolic Church doctrine has emphasized the importance of burial. However, cultural norms are evolving, particularly within the Armenian diaspora. While some families may still choose burial based on religious beliefs or tradition, cremation is becoming a more widely accepted option.

For diaspora communities, access to traditional Armenian cemeteries or clergy may be limited. Additionally, cremation can offer greater flexibility and align with personal preferences or financial considerations. A beautiful and meaningful Armenian memorial service can still be held to honor your loved one before cremation. 

Here at Meadow, we understand the importance of honoring cultural traditions while also considering the needs of today's families. We can help facilitate an Armenian memorial service that incorporates many of the traditions described throughout this guide – from pre-funeral preparations to readings and prayers. This allows you to create a fitting tribute that reflects your heritage and cultural background, followed by a cremation that best suits your needs.

If you are considering cremation, discuss your wishes with your family and a priest from the Armenian Apostolic Church. They can offer guidance and help navigate any religious concerns while acknowledging the Church's growing flexibility, particularly for Armenians abroad. Ultimately, the decision of burial or cremation should be a personal one that reflects your wishes and circumstances.

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What Happens at an Armenian Funeral?

Armenian funerals are a time for family, friends, and the community to come together to mourn the loss of a loved one, celebrate their life, and offer support to those grieving.

Funeral proceedings usually go on for multiple days, typically beginning with a wake service the night before the burial. The wake, called a "Dan Gark," is held at the deceased's home or a designated hall. Family members gather to pray, share memories, and receive condolences from friends and loved ones.

The following day, a church service takes place. This solemn ceremony features scripture readings, hymns sung in Armenian, and prayers led by a priest.

Following the service, the funeral procession travels to the cemetery for a graveside committal with final prayers and blessings.

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Pre-Funeral Preparations & Preparing the Body

Following the loss of a loved one, Armenian families immediately begin preparations for the funeral. This is a time for close relatives to come together and make decisions with respect and care.

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Role of the family in funeral planning

Immediately following a death, the closest family members take the lead in planning the funeral. This traditionally involves contacting a trusted funeral home familiar with Armenian customs.

The family will work with the funeral director to arrange for transportation of the deceased, secure a burial plot, and schedule the various services.

They will also consult with clergy from the Armenian Apostolic Church to determine the date and time of the church service and ensure all religious rituals are followed correctly.

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Consulting with Armenian clergy and religious figures

The Armenian Church plays a central role in Armenian funerals. Family members will meet with a priest or deacon to discuss the specifics of the funeral service.

The clergy member will guide the family through the traditional prayers, hymns, and readings that will be incorporated into the church ceremony.

They may also offer spiritual guidance and support to the family during this difficult time.

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Significance of burial shrouds and attire

Traditionally, the deceased is dressed in a white burial shroud, often made of simple cotton or linen. This signifies purity and equality before God. Close family members may also place a special cloth or embroidered piece on top of the shroud, representing their love and respect for the departed.

For men, a tie or scarf might be included, and for women, a head covering may be used. It's important to note that customs around burial attire may vary depending on specific family traditions and regional practices.

Consulting with a priest or trusted elder can help ensure these details are handled according to the wishes of the deceased and the family's preferences.

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Wake and Visitation Practices in Armenian Funeral Traditions

Customs surrounding the wake (Dan Gark)

The wake, known as a "Dan Gark" in Armenian, is a significant part of the funeral process. It serves as a time for family and friends to gather, offer condolences, share memories of the deceased, and begin the collective grieving process.

Held the night before the burial, typically at the deceased's home or a designated hall, the Keerk fosters a sense of community and support during this difficult time.

Customs surrounding the Dan Gark:

• Open casket: Traditionally, the deceased lies in repose in an open casket, often adorned with flowers. Family members may sit beside the casket throughout the wake, welcoming visitors and sharing stories about their loved one.
  
  
• Candles and incense: Candles are lit around the casket, symbolizing eternal light and the enduring presence of the deceased. Incense may also be burned, filling the room with a fragrant smoke that signifies prayers rising to heaven.
  
  
• Wheat offering: A bowl of wheat, sometimes with coins placed on top, may be displayed near the casket. This symbolizes rebirth and the hope for eternal life. Visitors traditionally take a handful of wheat as they leave, a gesture of respect and remembrance.

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What to wear to an Armenian wake

Men: Dress conservatively in dark-colored clothing, such as black, navy blue, or gray. A suit or dress pants with a collared shirt and tie is a respectful choice.

Women: Similar to men, opt for dark-colored clothing that is modest and respectful. A dress, skirt, or pantsuit in black, navy, or gray is appropriate. Avoid bright colors or flashy jewelry.

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Family and community participation during visitation

The Keerk is a time for mourners to visit the family and pay their respects. Visitors typically offer condolences to the immediate family members, share stories about the deceased, and express their sympathy.

Food and drinks are often served during the wake, providing an opportunity for mourners to gather and share memories in a more informal setting.

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Role of prayers and hymns

Prayers are an essential part of the Dan Gark. A priest may be invited to lead prayers for the deceased and offer words of comfort to the family. Additionally, hymns sung in Armenian fill the space with a sense of peace and spirituality, creating a solemn atmosphere for reflection and remembrance.

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The Funeral Ceremony

The church service

The heart of an Armenian funeral is the church service, a solemn and beautiful ceremony filled with tradition and symbolism.

The service contains these elements:

• Opening: The priest begins by offering prayers for the deceased and their peaceful transition into the afterlife. Selected passages from the Bible are read, providing comfort and reminding mourners of the hope for eternal life.
  
  Mournful hymns sung in Armenian, known as Sharakans, fill the church with a sense of reverence and reflection. These chants may focus on themes of comfort, remembrance, and the beauty of the afterlife.
  
  
• Eulogy (optional): A close friend or family member may deliver a eulogy, sharing personal memories and highlighting the positive qualities of the deceased.
  
  
• Incense and candles: Burning incense is a core element throughout the service. The fragrant smoke symbolizes prayers rising to heaven and God's presence among the mourners.
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• Candles are lit around the casket, representing eternal light and the belief in Christ's ever-lasting presence. Family members may also hold lit candles near the casket during the service.

• Closing: The priest concludes the service with final prayers for the departed, asking for God's mercy and grace, and offers a blessing for all those present.

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Procession to the cemetery

Traditionally, close male relatives or friends serve as pallbearers and proudly carry the coffin, demonstrating their respect and love for the deceased and actively participating in honoring their memory.

Mourners are often invited to approach the coffin and pay their respects. They may touch the casket or place a hand on the deceased as a final act of love and goodbye.

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Graveside prayers and rites

The priest leads a brief service at the graveside, offering prayers for the deceased and their soul's peace. The priest then blesses the grave with holy water, which is considered a symbol of purification and spiritual cleansing.

As the coffin is lowered into the grave, mourners may each throw a handful of earth onto the casket. This signifies the body's return to the earth from which it came and represents the cycle of life and death. 

Placing flowers on the grave is a beautiful and universal way to express love, respect, and remembrance for the deceased.

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Mourning Period

Following an Armenian funeral, a designated mourning period allows family and friends to grieve their loss and offer ongoing support.

Mourning customs: Duration and practices

Armenian mourning customs observe a 7-day mourning period followed by commemorations on the 40th day, six months, and the first anniversary.

During these occasions, close family members may express their grief through various practices:

• Attire: Dressing in subdued colors like black, navy blue, or gray is a common outward expression of mourning.
  
  
• Social activities: Family members may avoid attending social gatherings or celebrations during the initial weeks of mourning, prioritizing time for grief and reflection.
  
  
• Prayer: Increased prayer and reflection become a cornerstone of daily life, offering solace and comfort during this difficult time.
  
  
• Fasting (optional): Some families may choose to observe a period of fasting, abstaining from certain foods, or indulging in simpler meals as a form of devotion and self-reflection.
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Memorial services (Hokehankisd)

Memorial services, called Hokehankisd in Armenian, are held throughout the year to remember the deceased and pray for their soul's repose.

These gatherings provide a way for family and friends to come together again, share memories, and offer continued support to those grieving.

There are several key times when Hokehankisd services are traditionally held:

• 40th Day: This marks the end of the initial mourning period and is a significant milestone.
  
  
• First Anniversary: The first year after a loss can be particularly challenging, and this service offers a chance to reflect and remember.
  
  
• Saint's Day of Namesake: This personalized approach connects the deceased to a specific saint's day, fostering a unique and meaningful way to honor their memory.
  
  
• Other Times: Additional Hokehankisd services can be held at any time the family feels the need to gather, pray, and remember their loved one.

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Post-Funeral Traditions

Meal of mercy (Hokejash)

The Hokejash is a special meal shared with loved ones after the memorial service.

It serves as an act of charity, offering comfort and nourishment to those who have been grieving. Traditionally prepared as a potluck with Armenian dishes, the Hokejash fosters a warm and hospitable atmosphere.

The meal often concludes with the distribution of small gifts or sweets, symbolizing a return to normalcy and life's simple pleasures.

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Distribution of memorial cards and keepsakes

Following Armenian funeral traditions, attendees at the funeral and memorial services often receive memorial cards.

These small, printed cards typically include the person’s name and lifespan, a photo, and a prayer or verse. They serve as a tangible reminder of the deceased and encourage continued prayers for their soul.

Additionally, family members may distribute keepsakes like rosaries, bookmarks, or handkerchiefs with the deceased's name or initials. These keepsakes offer a lasting memento and a way to cherish the memory of the loved one who has passed away.

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Modern adaptations and practices within the Armenian diaspora

Armenian funeral traditions have adapted within the Armenian diaspora scattered around the world.

Integration into new cultures may lead to incorporating elements from local funeral customs. Finding specific Armenian foods or clergy may be challenging in some regions, necessitating practical adjustments.

Despite these adaptations, the core values of honoring the deceased, offering support to the grieving, and finding comfort in faith remain central to Armenian funeral traditions, even within the global Armenian community.

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Need Assistance With Funeral Planning? Meadow Can Help

We hope this helps you with everything you need to know about Armenian funeral traditions. If you’re planning a memorial or a funeral for a loved one, remember that you don’t have to do it alone.

Here at Meadow, we specialize in compassionate and meaningful memorial planning.

Our comprehensive packages and support help you create a memorial service to reflect your loved one's spirit. We allow you to honor their memory on your terms.

• We’re with you at every step. A brief call allows us to understand your needs and preferences. We'll then pair you with a professional memorial planner who will be your dedicated guide throughout the process.
  
  
• We focus on what matters. Our planner will handle all the logistics, from venue selection to vendor coordination, so you can focus on what matters most — spending time with loved ones.
  
  
• We take care of the details. Your dedicated planner will manage everything from food and flowers, sending invitations, booking catering, and managing your photo slideshow for the event.
  
  
• We customize. Tell us about your loved one's personality and interests. We create unique events to reflect their life for a truly personal celebration.

• We’re transparent. Our prices are clear and easy to understand. Our cremation services start at $995 with clear and upfront pricing so that you can plan with confidence.
  
  

Let us help you create a beautiful and lasting tribute to your loved one.

Explore our personalized memorial services.