Our great nation is blessed to be a huge "melting pot" of ethnic and religious groups who have wonderful traditions for celebrating life, love, joy and finally death.  The fabric of these communities are evolving to form a rich American Heritage that is unique to our great and wonderful nation.

While the various groups follow some norm there are regional differences which follow local ethnic groups and religious groups. Following is a conservative look at funeral and sympathy practices which will generally be acceptable in most regions.

Religious Customs

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Mormons

Mormon funeral services can be conducted in the mortuary or local stake. Services are usually simple. Flowers are permitted. 

• Tributes of various types are encouraged, and flowers on the casket are permissible.
• Funerals not permitted inside the temple.
• Flowers arranged a cross or crucifix are not permitted.
• Generally speaking most seasonal flowers are acceptable.

Buddhist

Flowers, fruit, candles, incense can be st on an altar in front of the casket along with the decease d's portrait. Friend and family may place small pieces of paper, symbolizing a monetary gift for use in the afterlife, in the casket. Flowers are suitable expressions of sympathy.

• Red flowers are not appropriate.
• Food is not appropriate
• White flowers symbolize mourning

Roman Catholic

The viewing, visitation or wake is conducted at the mortuary or funeral home, usually in a slumber room but sometimes in the chapel. The viewing takes place up until the time of the Rosary which is conducted in the chapel. Mass will follow in the morning at the church parish. The Mass is often followed by a committal service at the cemetery.  Cremation, prohibited prior to 1963, is an option but is usually conducted after Mass. Flowers are appropriate expressions of sympathy and are usually sent to arrive for the family visitation prior to the public visitation.

• Parishes vary regarding use of casket sprays.
• Most churches allow flowers to be displayed at the church entrance for funerals.
• Some churches do not allow any floral pieces other than family pieces.
• Often there are placement restrictions.
• Some parishes require that flowers placed on the altar be left and not removed to the internment services.
• Flowers permitted at the Visitation or Rosary.
• Flowers allowed at funerals during Lent.

Jewish

• No flowers used at Orthodox funerals.
• Flowers starting to be acceptable at non-orthodox services.
• During Shiv ah, fruit and food baskets are generally sent and welcomed.

Protestant Christian

Baptist -

Abundant use of flowers and sprays of all types. Can vary depending upon region.

Christian, Other

Flowers are usually welcomed in most funeral celebrations and memorials. Generally speaking the individual church or parish may have limitations on placement based more upon decor than religious conviction. Flowers are generally welcome and tributes of all types are acceptable.

Presbyterian -

Generally, seasonal flowers; typically follow other U.S. Protestant traditions.

• There may be placement restrictions.
• Casket pall may be an option.

Ethnic Customs

Hispanic

Nearly 75% of Hispanics identify themselves as Catholic so generally speaking customs of the Catholic faith apply. There are various regional and ethic customs that have been adopted that are not universally celebrated. Hispanics are family oriented and often spend much time at the funeral home visitation and remain at the grave for the lowering of the deceased and closing of the grave. Often times, families will also be found at the cemetery for days following the services both celebrating and mourning the deceased life. 

African-American

A wake is often a part of African-American funeral customs. In the US African-Americans are often centered around a church family and so the customs of the religion are prevalent.

• The predominate religions of African-Americans is Christian and Islam.
• Services celebrating the "home going" to Jesus is often celebrated.

Chinese

After the visitation, family and friends will place money or symbols of money into the casket as a gift for the afterlife. This is also a Buddhist tradition.

• White is a color of mourning.
• Red is a color of happiness and should not be used.
• Predominate religions are Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism.

Japanese

Cremation is typically practiced with the Japanese and so most services are memorials where the cremains are present.

• Red flowers are not appropriate.
• Food is not appropriate.
• Roses are not generally used.
• White flowers symbolize mourning.

Korean

Korean services usually consist of viewing or visitation, prayers and songs the evening before the service. Flowers are a welcome part of Korean services.

• Predominate religions are Buddhism and Christianity.
• Ribbons containing Korean messages often adorn floral bouquets and plants.