Unique Funeral Traditions in Calgary

Funerals are deeply personal events, reflecting the lives and values of those who have passed and offer a space for family and friends to grieve and celebrate their loved ones. In Calgary, Airdrie, Didsbury, and Red Deer, funerals are as diverse as the communities they serve, with many unique traditions that reflect the cultural, religious, and personal beliefs of each individual. At Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services, we honour these traditions and help families create meaningful services that align with their values. This blog explores some of the unique funeral traditions found in Calgary and surrounding areas, highlighting the ways different communities commemorate their loved ones.

1. Personalized Celebrations of Life 

In recent years, many families in Calgary and the surrounding regions have moved towards personalized celebrations of life rather than traditional funerals. These events focus on joyfully remembering the deceased, often incorporating their favourite hobbies, interests, or passions into the service. Rather than centring solely on mourning, a celebration of life highlights the positive impact the individual had on their family, friends, and community. 

These services can take place in a variety of settings, from family homes and community halls to parks or gardens. Music, personal anecdotes, and multimedia presentations showcasing photos or videos of the loved one are often central elements of these gatherings. The focus is on celebrating the unique personality and life of the deceased, making the event more personal and less formal than traditional funeral services. 

Example: 

One Calgary family chose to host a celebration of life at their loved one’s favourite hiking spot. Friends and family gathered to share stories while surrounded by nature, reflecting the deceased’s love for the outdoors. 

2. Indigenous Funeral Traditions 

Calgary and its surrounding areas are home to a significant Indigenous population, and these communities often incorporate their rich cultural heritage into funeral services. Indigenous funeral traditions are deeply spiritual and focus on the belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. For many Indigenous families, ceremonies are centred on honouring the journey of the spirit after death and ensuring a peaceful transition to the afterlife. 

One common practice is the use of smudging ceremonies, which involve burning sacred herbs like sage or sweetgrass to purify the space and send prayers for the deceased. Drumming, chanting, and offering tobacco are also integral parts of many Indigenous funerals, helping to guide the soul to the spirit world. Families may also hold wake ceremonies where community members come together to honour the life of the deceased with songs, prayers, and stories. 

Example: 

An Indigenous family in Airdrie honoured their loved one’s memory with a smudging ceremony and traditional drumming, inviting the entire community to participate in the healing process. 

3. Religious Funeral Practices 

Religious traditions continue to play an important role in many funerals throughout Calgary and surrounding areas. Whether following Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or other religious customs, these ceremonies often include prayers, readings from sacred texts, and specific rituals designed to offer comfort and spiritual support to both the deceased and their family. 

Christian funerals in Calgary often take place in churches, where pastors or priests deliver eulogies and lead prayers for the deceased. Jewish funerals, on the other hand, typically involve quick burials following death, with loved ones observing the tradition of “sitting shiva,” a week-long mourning period where family members receive visitors and reflect on the life of their loved one. 

Muslim funerals in the Calgary area involve washing and shrouding the body according to Islamic tradition, followed by a simple and dignified burial. The family gathers for prayer (Salat al-Janazah) and offers prayers for the deceased’s peaceful transition to the afterlife. 

Example: 

A Calgary family held a traditional Christian service at their church, followed by a graveside prayer and a communal meal to bring family and friends together in fellowship and remembrance. 

4. Environmental Funerals 

With a growing awareness of environmental sustainability, many families in Calgary and the surrounding areas are choosing environmentally friendly funeral options. Known as green funerals, these services focus on minimizing the environmental impact of traditional burial practices by using biodegradable materials and avoiding harmful chemicals. 

Green burials often involve placing the body in a biodegradable casket or shroud and allowing it to decompose naturally in the earth. This practice reflects a return to nature and resonates with individuals who are environmentally conscious or have a deep connection to the earth. Some families also choose to plant trees or create natural memorials as a lasting tribute to their loved one’s life. 

Example: 

A family in Didsbury opted for a green burial, choosing a biodegradable casket and planting a tree at the gravesite to honour their loved one’s commitment to environmental stewardship. 

5. Multicultural Funeral Services 

Calgary is a multicultural city, and funerals often reflect the diverse backgrounds and traditions of its residents. Many families blend cultural customs from different parts of the world with more modern funeral practices, creating unique and personalized ceremonies that honour their heritage while reflecting their current lives in Calgary. 

For example, families of Chinese descent may incorporate traditional ancestor worship practices and the burning of incense into their funeral services, while Filipino families may hold a nine-day novena of prayers for the deceased. These multicultural services create a rich tapestry of customs, allowing families to honour both their heritage and their loved one’s individual preferences. 

Example:

A Red Deer family of mixed heritage incorporated both Filipino and Western customs into their loved one’s service, combining novena prayers with a celebration of life gathering. 

Honoring Calgary's Diverse Funeral Traditions

Funeral planning is an emotional and often stressful experience, but understanding the costs involved can help ease some of the burden. By familiarizing yourself with the different components that make up funeral expenses, comparing options like burial and cremation, and creating a thoughtful budget, you can honour your loved one in a way that feels meaningful and manageable. At Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services, we are here to guide families in Calgary, Airdrie, Didsbury, and Red Deer with compassion, ensuring that you have all the information and support you need to plan a funeral that respects your wishes and your budget – contact us today to begin planning.