Peeling Back the Shroud: The Multibillion-Dollar Funeral Industry
/Accessible options have become largely obscured in the shadows of the contemporary funeral industry.
Let me be frank - What the contemporary funeral industry provides is absolutely necessary for some individuals & situations. It has also become a massive commercial enterprise, often overshadowing alternative & accessible options. The lack of awareness around Home Funerals is not due to a lack of safety or legality. Through powerful marketing and societal conditioning, modern industry has shaped public perceptions, leading many to believe that commercial funerals are the only respectable and safe option.
Home funerals hold the potential to transcend socio-economic barriers, honor cultural diversity, & make a ceremony truly personal. These intimate ceremonies offer a beautiful & soulful way to say goodbye. By challenging the prevailing narrative, we can open doors to more diverse and meaningful end-of-life choices. Home funerals often offer a path of healing, love, and authenticity in the face of loss. Embracing this sacred tradition empowers families to reclaim their agency, preserving the beauty of life's transition while respecting culture and financial realities.
Let’s talk about Home Funerals—
A home funeral is when you keep an individual at home after death for their funeral ceremonies. The family is given more time & a more personal space to be with their loved one. This practice is safe, legal, and affordable. In fact, it’s tradition. In more recent years they have gotten less attention because they are not big money makers. They are accessible & it is the right of every individual to be transparently educated on all options.
Are Home Funerals legal?
Yes. In every state, across the board. While some details vary, it is legal in every state. To see the legal requirements in your state, check out The Home Funeral Alliance’s Guide by State.
Is a Home Funeral Ceremony safe?
The short answer, yes. Major Health Organizations agree, dead bodies do not pose an immediate health risk. In fact, they’re far less dangerous than the living. If you’re surprised, you’re not alone. We believe that was in some way intentional. The contemporary funeral industry has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry.
“…the mere presence of a dead body without regard to its embalmed status and one that is not leaking blood from an open wound or perforation, does not pose an increased [health] risk of infectious disease transmission for the person who might handle that body or review it in a private setting. Once a human dies, infectious agents that would be of any concern, including those on the individual’s skin or internal organs, is greatly diminished…there simply is no measurable risk of that body transmitting an infectious disease agent…”Dr. Michael Osterholm, Center for Infectious Disease Research.
What is the cost of a Home Funeral?
Home Funerals are on average 1/5 the cost of a “traditional” funeral. We use quotations because this is very much a modern tradition. And not one that evolved out of pure progress necessarily. There is a lot of money in this business. Home Funeral Advocates are passionate about reworking back to the roots of ceremony & community. Less business, more love. The average Home Funeral is under $3,000 and we have seen many done for less.
How long does the family get to be with their loved one?
There is no legal time limit. We have seen Home Funerals last for 5 hours & we have seen them last for 3 days. Embalming is not required. The body is kept cool with noninvasive cooling methods such as dry ice. The family and their chosen community can take as much time as they need to care for their loved one according to their beliefs and preferences.
What if I or my loved one dies in the hospital or facility?
You can still, in most cases, bring your loved one home.
While these are the FAQs we see most, we are happy and available to answer any questions you may have about Home Funeral Ceremonies.
We invite you to watch our short film The Art of Natural Death Care on Vimeo at the following link: vimeo.com/220346382.