Sunday, July 22, 2012

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Sunday, April 22, 2012

A Swiss Funeral

We got to attend a funeral this week. They do the burial first, and then walk to the church for a memorial service. The pallbearers have to be young and strong, as they carry the casket on their shoulders all the way out to the burial plot. In this case, it was about a 5-minute walk. Then they set it on the wooden supports over the grave, where it remains during the short graveside service.

Lowering the Casket

After the "Pfarrer" or minister says a few words, the pallbearers actually lower the casket into the grave. Then, starting with the family, the mourners take turns approaching the grave, saying their "Good-byes" and throwing a rose in on top of the casket.