Roman Catholic is arguably among the largest and wide-spread religion in the world. The Catholic religion has very ceremonial and ritualistic practices. Moreover, most of their religious activities centred around symbols with sacred and deep meanings.
A Catholic funeral is no different. If you’ve ever attended a Catholic memorial service or have watched one in a film or documentary, you will notice that they held their funeral rites in a solemn ceremony.
Religious symbols are scattered around the place where the Catholic funeral service is being held. Those symbols can be in the forms of ritual items, prayers, norms, and other non-verbal cues which for the Catholic grievers, have significant meanings.
Here are the common symbols you can find in Catholic funeral service and what they signify. This will help you understand the way Catholics hold their funeral rites.
Crucifix and Bible
The Bible is a sacred religious item for the Catholics. The mourners will put an open Bible on top of the coffin to signify that the departed one’s life is dedicated to the service of God. On the other hand, the Crucifix is often placed atop the coffin as a recollection of how Christ granted us eternal life.
Holy Water
During the mass on a Catholic funeral service, the relatives of the deceased, along with the priest, will sprinkle holy water to the coffin. This is a symbol of baptism in Catholicism.
Incense
Incense is being burned in the duration of a Catholic memorial service as a reminder that the prayers of the mourner are reaching the heavens. As the prayers for the deceased are important to help him in his journey to life in heaven.
Purple Robes
Even during certain mournful events in the Catholic church, the purple colour is being used to adorn the priest’s robes, tables, and windows of the church. Contrary to the popular belief, purple colour in Catholicism does not signify grief. In fact, purple is the colour of hope. It is used to express hope for the peace of the deceased.
Paschal Candle
Paschal candle is lighted during a Catholic memorial service to signify the light of Christ. It gives the mourners hope that the deceased will be in the company of God soon.
