Planning a funeral is not a modern concept, the earliest funerals date back tens of thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that even our Neanderthal ancestors practiced burial rituals. Archaeological sites in locations like Shanidar Cave in Iraq show that Neanderthals buried their dead with flowers. Sites like Skhul Cave in Israel and Qafzeh Cave in Palestine have uncovered graves with bodies positioned purposefully and items placed as offerings, indicating that early humans likely held beliefs about the soul, the afterlife, or at least a need to honor their dead. These early funerals represent some of humanity's first attempts to understand and ritualize death.
As well as our ancestors arranging funerals for their loved ones, they also remembered their dead at festivals. The festival that will come to mind for most of us is Halloween.
Halloween traces its origins back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a celebration that marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time associated with darkness and death. Celts believed that during Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, allowing spirits of ancestors to visit. Bonfires were lit, offerings were made, and costumes were worn to ward off evil spirits and honor those who had passed.
With the spread of Christianity, Samhain was integrated into Christian celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, days set aside for remembering the dead and honoring saints. It’s no coincidence that these traditions are scheduled around the same time as Halloween and are connected to ideas of visiting graves, attending services, and reflecting on the departed.
Planning funerals and honoring the dead is a tradition that dates back tens of thousands of years. This tradition of remembrance evolved into festivals like Samhain, the precursor to Halloween.
The Farewell Guide is here to support you with all aspects of planning and arranging a funeral. To start recording funeral wishes for you or a loved one, follow this link: