Going to my first Jamaican Funeral on Sunday. What should I expect? Anything I am not used to at US funerals?

I know about the wake. And, if it helps, he is being buried at the cemetary and not on family land.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

I went to one in January for an 18 yr old killed by a car. The sermon/eulogy was a little heated with the pastor throwing out a tad bit of fire and brimstone. Then they take the casket out to the cemetary where the hole is already dug, place the casket over the hole in a recessed position, and say prayers, open it up for what they call "last look". A woman broke down, fell to her knees and had to be removed from the area. The deceased's brother went up to the casket, straghtened his brother's tie and touched his shoulder. I thought I was going to lose it right there. It was so poignant.

They close the casket after everyone is done saying goodby, lower it, put plywood over the hole, begin to mix up cement and put it over the grave. They don't stop until they have covered it completely. Then the congregation leaves.

Of course the one you are attending may be different, but I hope this helps you.

Thank you, JM. I just want to be prepared for anything. That does help.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

Cement????? DAMN! Are they trying to prevent the dead from rising???

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

Well we have vaults in America that prevent that JC. LOL. They had only cement blocks on the sides, so I think they were making their own vault. Also I think it deters grave robbers.

u know ive never been to a funeral ...in any country!.

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I guess you're lucky then! I've been to a few and it doesn't even matter who the deceased is, I still cry because I can see the rest of the family crying!

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

Yeah they are really sad......the worst is when a young person has died though..went to one for a highschool girl and man that was tough!

You always crack me up...........lol....I tried to hold it in because it was about funerals but damn..........