Funeral Directing: Glossary Flashcards
Cards of recognition sent to friends for kindness shown to a deceased’s family
Acknowledgement cards
An altar attendant
Acolyte
A funeral rite that is adjusted to the needs and wants of those directly involved
Adaptive funeral rite
A funeral which has been altered to suit the trends of the times
Adaptive funeral rite
Those appropriate and helpful acts of counseling that come after the funeral
- Aftercare
- Post-funeral follow-up
In the Islam faith, the name of God
Allah
An elevated place or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious rites are performed
Altar
In the Christian faith, a table on which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is offered
Altar
An unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of fiberboard, pressed-wood, composition materials (with or without an outside covering) or like materials
Alternative container
Certification/legislation of a document for international use under terms of the 1961 Hague Convention
Apostille
In the Roman Catholic faith, the head of an archdiocese
Archbishop
Hebrew word meaning container
Aron
A casket made entirely of wood, containing no metal parts
Aron
The meeting between the funeral director and the client family during which the funeral arrangements are discussed
Arrangements conference
An imitation of grass made in mat form and used at the cemetery to cover the earth around the grave
Artificial grass
Counseling with the family as they select the services and items of merchandise in completing arrangements for the funeral service of their choice when a death has occurred
At-need counseling
Leader of multiple churches in a particular denomination
Bishop
In the Roman Catholic faith, the head of a diocese
Bishop
In the LDS (Mormon) church, leader of a single church
Bishop of the ward
The name of a Buddhist priest
Bonze
A term used in the Buddhist faith to describe a calendar that is used to determine an accurate time for casketing the body
Book of Dates
In the Roman Catholic faith, a man who is a member of a religious order without being ordained or while preparing for ordination
Brother
Relating to a social organization
Brotherhood
A legal document, issued by a governmental agency, authorizing transportation and/or disposition of a dead human body
- Burial-transit permit
- Disposition permit
A portable shelter used to cover the grave area during the committal
- Canopy
- Cemetery tent
A religious singer who assists the clergy
Cantor
Assists the Rabbi in the Jewish faith
Cantor
Assists the priest in the Eastern Orthodox faith
Cantor
In the Roman Catholic faith, a dignity conferred upon Bishops making them Princes of the Church
Cardinal
May include, but are not limited to: cemetery or crematory services, pallbearers, public transportation, clergy honoraria, flowers, musicians or singers, nurses, obituary notices, gratuities, and death certificates
Cash advance
Sometimes called an accommodation or cash disbursement
Cash advance
One who actively bears or carries the casket during the funeral service and at the committal service
- Casketbearer
- Pallbearer
The officiant who celebrates the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church
Celebrant
An area of ground set aside and dedicated for the final disposition of dead human bodies
Cemetery
A legal copy of the original death certificate
Certified copy of a death certificate
The portion of the church surrounding the altar, usually enclosing the clergy
Chancel
Area behind the altar or communion rail
Chancel
A building or designated area of a building in which services are conducted
Chapel
A person chosen to conduct religious exercises for the military, the chapel of an institution or a fraternal organization
Chaplain
Hebrew phrase meaning “Holy Society”
Chevrah Kadisha
A group of men or women from the synagogue who care for the dead
Chevrah Kadisha
May be referred to by laymen as the “washers”
Chevrah Kadisha
In the past, took care of all funeral arrangements and preparation for Jewish funerals
Chevrah Kadisha
A letter or form from a priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for burial in a Roman Catholic Cemetery
- Christian burial certificate
- Christian burial permit
- Priest lines
A structure, room, or space in a mausoleum or other building containing niches or recesses used to hold cremated remains
Columbarium
That portion of the funeral that is conducted at the place of disposition of dead human bodies
Committal service
Any carrier required by law to convey passengers or freight without refusal if the approved fare or charge is paid (airline, train, etc)
Common carrier
Funeral observances that reflect present day (modern) influences in lieu of (or in addition to or as part of) the traditional ceremonies
Contemporary funeral rite
A public officer whose chief duty is to investigate questionable deaths
- Coroner
- Medical examiner
A historical reference for funeral procession
Cortege
A portable stretcher commonly employed in an ambulance or transfer vehicle for the moving of the sick, injured, or deceased
Cot
The result of the reduction of a dead body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat
Cremated remains
The reduction of a dead human body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat in a specifically designed retort
Cremation
A furnace or retort for cremating dead human bodies
- Crematory
- Crematorium
A building that houses a retort
- Crematory
- Crematorium
A religious emblem consisting of two plain bars that intersect at right angles to each other
Cross
One who carries the crucifix/cross during an ecclesiastical procession
- Crucifer
- Crossbearer
A c ross with a figure or image representing the body of Christ on it
Crucifix
Image representing the body of Christ
Corpus
A chamber in a mausoleum, generally used to contain the casketed remains of a deceased person
Crypt
A subordinate officer in a Christian church
Deacon
A legal document containing vital statistics, disposition, and final medical information pertaining to the deceased
Death certificate
A classified notice publicizing the death of a person and giving those details of the funeral service that the survivors wish to have published
Death notice
A dead human body
Deceased
False teeth
Dentures
A federal agency that administers benefits provided by law for veterans of the armed forces
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- VA (Veterans Administration)
In the Roman Catholic faith, a geographical grouping of Parishes under the jurisdiction of a Bishop
Diocese
Disposition of human remains by cremation, without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present
Direct cremation
Any method of disposition of the human remains without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present
Direct disposition
Leading to an organized departure or inviting to leave
Dismissal
Liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in Eastern Orthodox churches
Divine liturgy
Pertaining to the church or clergy
Ecclesiastic
Song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation for the dead
Elegy
In the Jehovah’s witness faith, the person who typically conducts the service
Elder
In the Jewish faith, a memorial service
El Malei Rachamin
Literally “God full of compassion”
El Malei Rachamin
Usually the last prayer of the funeral service in the Jewish faith
El Malei Rachamin
Sometimes referred to as the Malei
El Malei Rachamin
The placing of remains in a crypt in a mausoleum
Entombment
A commemorative inscription on a tomb or cemetery marker
Epitaph
To accompany, as a leader of the procession or guardian of the group
Escort
Military personnel assigned to accompany a body following an active duty death
Escort
The consecrated elements of Holy Communion
Eucharist
Layperson sanctioned to administer holy communion and other assigned tasks
Eucharistic minister
An oration praising an individual, usually after death
Eulogy
Process of planning and/or coordinating a ceremony or activity
Event planning
In the Roman Catholic faith, the ending portion of the Funeral Mass
Final commendation
One of the categories required to be itemized on the GPL (if the funeral provider offers the service); involves service of the funeral provider in the locale where death occurs and preparation for transfer to another funeral provider as selected by the family (consumer);
Funeral Rule requires package pricing of this service with a description of the components included
Forwarding remains
Relating to a social organization
Fraternal
The rites held at the time of disposition of human remains, with the body present
Funeral service
The term applied to the completing of the service and financial details of the funeral at the time of need
Funeral arrangements
The name of the funeral service in the Roman Catholic Church
- Funeral liturgy
- Funeral mass
The procession of vehicles from the place of the funeral to the place of disposition
Funeral procession
Any funeral event performed in a solemn and prescribed manner
Funeral rites
The rites held at the time of disposition of human remains, with the body present
Funeral service
The first two and last two verses of a Buddhist hymn sung at the funeral service
Gatha
A printed list of goods and services offered for sale by funeral provider with retail prices
General Price List (GPL)
Considered the keystone of the Funeral Rule
General Price List (GPL)
The act of bending the knee as an indication of reverence or as an act of humility
Genuflect
Gift or small sum of money tendered for a service provided
- Gratuity
- Tip
An excavation in the earth as a place for internment
Grave
A funeral service, religious or otherwise, conducted at the grave
Graveside service
Webbing or similar material used for lowering the casket into the grave
Grave straps
Ecologically friendly
“Green”
One where the funeral home guarantees that the services and merchandise will be provided at the time of need for an amount not exceeding the original amount of the contract plus any accruals, regardless of the cost of providing the services and merchandise at the time of the funeral
Guaranteed contract
In the Jewish faith, a eulogy or true evaluation of the deceased’s life that is a part of the funeral service
Hesped
Water blessed by a priest
Holy Water
A nominal compensation or recognition for service performed
- Honorarium
- Honoraria
- Honorariums
Friends of the family or members of an organization or group who act as an escort or honor guard for the deceased;
Do not carry the casket
- Honorary pallbearers
- Honorary casketbearers
A funeral rite that is in essence devoid of religious connotation
Humanist funeral
In the Eastern Orthodox faith, a holy picture
Icon
Usually mosaic or painted on wood
Icon
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the partition that extends across the front of the church separating the sanctuary from the solea
- Iconostasis
- Iconostas
- Iconostation
The first three letters in the Greek word for Jesus
IHS
In the Islamic faith, the leader of the local congregation
Imam
Disposition of human remains by burial, without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present, except for a graveside service
Immediate burial
One who supplies the vital statistical information concerning the deceased
Informant
An abbreviation for the Latin term meaning “Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jews”
INRI
To bury in the ground
- Inter
- Inhume
The act of placing the dead human body in the ground
- Interment
- Burial
- Inhumement
- Inhumation
The act of placing cremains in an urn
Inurnment
CANA definition: act of placing cremated remains in a niche or grave
Inurnment
Contract for future funeral services which cannot be terminated or canceled prior to the death of the beneficiary
Irrevocable contract
The religion of Muslims that began at the time of Mohammed
Islam
Muslims believe stands for purity, peace, submission to God’s will, and obedience to his laws
Islam
In the Islamic faith, the funeral or funeral prayer
Jinazah
In the Jewish faith, a prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners for the first time at the conclusion of interment service
Kaddish
In the Jewish faith, subsequently recited by children for parents at every service for eleven months
Kaddish
In the Jewish faith, mourners have the obligation to recite for 30 days
Kaddish
In the Jewish faith, the grave
Kever
In the Jewish faith, the burial
Kevurah
One’s relatives
Kin
Referring to blood relationship
Kin
Legally, not the surviving spouse
Kin
The appropriate term for the worship facility for the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Kingdom Hall
A holy book of the Islamic faith, revealed to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel
- Koran
- Quran
Hebrew word meaning rending or tearing
Kriah
A symbol of grief
Kriah
A tear in the upper corner of the garment or a tear on a symbolic ribbon which is worn by the survivors
Kriah
In the Jewish faith, the funeral procession
Levaya
A prescribed order or form of worship specific to a particular denomination which will have the Eucharist or Holy Communion as its central element
- Liturgical worship
- Eucharist-centered worship
A subdivision of a cemetery that consists of several grave or interment spaces
Lot
A mechanical device used to lower a casket into the ground
Lowering device
Traditionally, in the Buddhist faith, ad bedside prayer which may now be performed by the bonze jut before funeral arrangements are made
Makura-gyo
The liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church
Mass
A document indicating the offering of a Mass for a specific intention
- Mass card
- Spiritual bouquet
A building containing crypts or vaults for entombment
Mausoleum
A forensically trained physician whose duty is to investigate questionable or unattended deaths
Medical examiner
Has replaced the coroner in some states
Medical examiner
A pamphlet made available at the funeral service giving details about the deceased and the funeral arrangements
- Memorial folder
- Service folder
A scheduled assembly of family and friends following a death
Memorial gathering
A cemetery, or section of a cemetery, with only flush-to-the-ground markers
Memorial park
Funeral rites with the body not present
Memorial service
In the Jewish faith, a candelabrum with a central stem bearing seven candles
Menorah
The oldest symbol in Judaism
Menorah
Military personnel assigned to accompany a body following an active duty death
Military escort
In the Jewish faith, a hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles
- Mogen David
- Star of David
Symbolizes a new hope for the Jewish people
- Mogen David
- Star of David
A prophet of the Islamic religion born 571 CD
- Mohammed
- Muhammad
Considered by Muslims to be God’s messenger, but not worshipped or considered to be divine
- Mohammed
- Muhammed
An honorary title conferred upon a priest
Monsignor
The local church building
- Mosque
- Masjid
Contains no icons, statues, symbols, pews, chairs, or musical instruments
- Mosque
- Masjid
The name given to a member of the Islamic faith
- Muslim
- Moslem
The entry way into the funeral home or church
- Narthex
- Lobby
- Vestibule
- Foyer
A cemetery created and maintained under an Act of Congress for burial of veterans of military service and their eligible family members
National cemetery
The seating or auditorium section of a church
Nave
A recess or space in a columbarium used for the permanent placing of cremated remains
Niche
The Buddhist idea of heavenly peace or Pure Land
Nirvhana
One in which the funeral home only agrees that the amount prepaid plus any accruals will be credited to the balance due;
The price of the funeral will be whatever the current price is for the services and merchandise at the time the death occurs
Non-guaranteed contract
A form or order of worship which has the scripture as its central element
- Non-liturgical worship
- Scripture-centered worship
The actual form or order of the worship service is left to the discretion of each individual church and/or minister
- Non-liturgical worship
- Scripture-centered worship
A news item concerning the death of a person which usually contains a biographical sketch
Obituary
Funeral rites or burial ceremonies
Obsequies
One who conducts a religious service or ceremony
Officiant
Any container which is designed for placement in the grave around the casket including, but not limited to, containers commonly known as burial vaults, grave boxes, and grave liners
Outer burial container
The Buddhist place of worship
Pagoda
A symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket
Pall
One who actively bears or carries the casket during the funeral service and at the committal service
Pallbearer
Vigil service associated with Eastern Orthodox funerals
- Parastas
- Great Panachida
In Roman Catholic faith, a candle placed near the casket during the Funeral Mass that signifies the everlasting light of Christ
Paschal candle
One having spiritual care over a number of people
Pastor
An arrangement made by the cemetery whereby funds are set aside, the income from which is used to maintain the cemetery plot indefinitely
Perpetual care
The head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome
Pope
A card with the name of the decedent and a prayer or verse, which may or may not include the dates of birth and death
Prayer card
Those funeral arrangements made in advance of need that include provisions for funding or prepayment
Pre-funded funeral arrangements
Those funeral arrangements made in advance of need that do not include provisions for funding or prepayment
Preplanned funeral arrangements
A kneeling rail
- Prie Dieu
- Prayer rail
- Kneeler
A title conferred by ordination
Priest
Those who transport only in particular instances and only for those they chose to contract with (funeral home vehicles and livery)
Private carrier
The movement, in an orderly fashion, at the beginning of a service
- Procession
- Processional
A teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith
Rabbi
In the Church of Christ, Scientist, one authorized to read the lessons and scripture
Reader
One of the categories required to be itemized on the GPL (if the funeral provider offers the service);
Involves services of the funeral provider after initial services have been provided by another firm at the locale of death;
Funeral Rule requires package pricing of this service with a description of the components included
Receiving remains
A structure so designed for the temporary storage of bodies that are not to be immediately interred
- Recession
- Recessional
A book signed by those attending a visitation/service
- Register book
- Memorial book
The burning chamber in a crematory
Retort
A contract which may be terminated by the purchaser at any time prior to the death of the beneficiary with a refund of the moneys paid on the contract as prescribed by state law
Revocable contract
Beads and a crucifix used as an aid in the recitation of prayers
Rosary beads
Prayer recited in order at a Rosary or Vigil Service
Rosary prayers
Doors in the center of the Iconostasis leading directly to the altar
Royal doors
Only ordained clergy are to go through these doors
Royal doors
Never cross on the solea in front of these
Royal doors
In liturgical churches, stated directions in a prayer book or liturgical manual regarding the order of service as approved by the denomination
Rubrics
In the Roman Catholic faith, a sacrament given to those seriously ill or in danger of death to prepare their souls for eternity
Sacrament of the Sick
In the Roman Catholic faith, a religious picture of Jesus Christ showing his radiant heart
Sacred heart
The part of the church about the altar, inside the chancel
Sanctuary
May be used to describe the area of the church where people sit for the services
Sanctuary
In the Roman Catholic faith, a piece of cloth or a medal having religious significance usually worn around the neck
Scapular
The largest subdivision of a cemetery
Section
In the Buddhist faith, a service performed as a part of casketing the body
Service of Encasketing
One who is in charge of the cemetery
Sexton
The caretaker of a church
Sexton
The Jewish Sabbath
Shabbat
Christi begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday
Shabbat
In the Jewish faith, a seven-day mourning period
Shivah
Meaning 30 in the Jewish faith
Sholoshim
In the Jewish faith, the 30-day mourning period
Sholoshim
In the Jewish faith, a watcher
Shomer
In the Jewish faith, one who sits with the body until burial
Shomer
A cloth of garment in which a dead person is wrapped or dressed for burial
Shroud
A symbolic sign of the Cross, made with the right hand
Sign of the Cross
In the Roman Catholic faith, a woman who is a member of a religious order, especially one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
- Sister
- Nun
A branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which provides benefits for retirement, survivors/insurance, disability, health insurance, and death
Social Security Administration
In the Eastern Orthodox church, the open area (sometimes raised) before the altar
Solea
One who outlives another person or lives through an event
Survivor(s)
A place of religious worship in the Jewish faith
Synagogue
May be referred to as Temple
Synagogue
A hand-sewn white linen shroud in which the deceased members of the Jewish faith are dressed
Tachrichim
In the Jewish faith, the ceremony of washing the deceased before the burial
Taharah
Serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body and should be performed by the Chevra Kaddisha
Taharah
A prayer shawl worn by men during the Morning Prayer service in the Jewish faith
Tallith
In the Jewish faith, prayers said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer
Tehillim
In the Jewish faith, prayers coming from the book of Psalms
Tehillim
Ceremonial instructions of the Mormon Church, given only within a Temple to worthy members of the sect
Temple Ordinances
Contracts which involve the funeral director/funeral home because the family being served has contracted with someone else for services or merchandise also available from the funeral home
Third Party Contracts
A general term designating those places suitable for the reception of a dead human body
Tomb
Wings of the main part of the church which may serve as small chapels for baptism, weddings, and even small funeral services
Transepts
The moving of the dead human body from the place of death to the funeral home or other designated place
- Transfer of remains
- Removal
- First call
The automobile generally used for transporting the uncasketed dead human body from the place of death to the mortuary
Transfer vehicle
In the Eastern Orthodox faith, three short services or blessings that are part of the funeral rite
Trisagion
Account established by one individual to be held for the benefit of another
Trust account
Creates a fiduciary responsibility as a method of payment of funeral expenses
Trust account
Money paid to a funeral home for future services is placed in an account with the funeral home as trustee for the benefit of another
Trust account
Ritual garments worn by the clergy
Vestments
One who has served a prescribed period of time with the armed forces and who is no longer an active member of the armed forces
Veteran
In the Roman Catholic faith, a set of two candles that may be placed one at the head and one at the foot of the casket during the visitation period
Vigil lights
Time set aside for friends and relatives to pay respects to the deceased prior to the funeral service
- Visitation
- Calling hours
- Visiting hours
The collection, tabulation, and interpretation of data concerning birth, marriage, divorce, sickness, and death
Vital statistics
Historically a watch kept over the deceased
Wake
An all-night vigil
Wake
In the Roman Catholic faith, a prayer or scripture service usually held at the funeral home the evening before the Funeral Mass
- Wake service
- Vigil service
- Rosary service
A brief expression of gratitude to the congregation for their presence at the Buddhist service
Words of appreciation
In the Jewish faith, the anniversary of the death
Yahrzeit
In the Jewish faith, the skullcap worn by the men at temple services and funeral services
- Yarmulke
- Kippah
- Yamaka
In the Jewish faith, a memorial service recited four times a year
Yizkor
