RITES OF PASSAGE
Death
Funeral rites are pretty much at the discretion of the individual's wishes or the family's. Romans practiced both burial and cremation and either is acceptable today. The Roman's however never allowed cemetaries within the city walls, so a leaning toward cremation may be detected here. As for the deceased, the only stipulations for the funeral are that a bronze coin be placed in his/her mouth prior to burial or cremation and that burial rites be performed. Any additions to this are completely the choice of the family. In ancient cultures, the Roman included, many families chose to employ professional morners to help express their loss. This practice continues today in many Eastern countries such as Japan. In addition to the burial rites, families may choose to hold vigil prior to the funeral and euligize the deceased as part of the funeral ceremony. Any ceremony should be a commemoration of the individual's life.
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