Why Portraits of the Deceased are Used at Funerals

When a loved one passes away, the tradition of displaying portraits of the deceased at funerals serves a significant purpose. These images help those attending the service to remember the person as they were during their lifetime. This article delves into the reasons why such portraits are used and explores the process behind preparing them for the funeral.

The Purpose of the Deceased’s Portrait at a Funeral

Often, the deceased no longer looks the same as they did in their everyday life. Illness, aging, or tragic circumstances can significantly alter their appearance. For instance, in cases where the deceased used carbon monoxide to end their life, they may look dramatically different— often in ways that would be too distressing for family, friends, and even children to witness.

As a result, family members and funeral homes may opt to choose portraits that best represent the deceased’s appearance during their lifetime. This is especially true when there is a closed casket at the funeral service. It is crucial that the deceased looks as they did when remembered fondly, rather than how they may appear in the later stages of their illness or death.

Decision Factors in Portraits of the Deceased

When deciding on the portrait, several factors come into play:

Physical Condition:** The condition of the body after the death can greatly affect the quality and appearance of the portrait. Some deaths are too traumatic, and the deceased may not look as closely like themselves due to the natural decomposition process or injuries sustained during the incident. Age and Appearance:** The deceased's appearance should reflect how they looked during their lifetime. For example, if the person had a recent illness that caused them to look more frail, it might be best to choose a portrait from before that time. Preferences of the Family and Guests:** Sometimes, families want to ensure that the deceased is depicted in a way that they wish to remember, even if this means showing them during a happier time in their life rather than the last few days.

For instance, consider the case of your first husband. The deceased had a closed casket, and the appearance of the body after suicide with carbon monoxide was not something to be publicly displayed. To ensure that your children would remember him as he was, several photos were used at the funeral service to encapsulate his true spirit and physical appearance during his life.

Conversely, in the case of your mother-in-law, there was an open casket. The funeral home put in considerable effort to make her look good, but the dearth of perfect photos meant that some did not capture the essence of her appearance during her lifetime. This underscores the importance of maintaining good photographs to use in such solemn occasions.

The Role of News Media and Obituaries

In the public arena, the role of news media and obituaries changes. When a well-known individual dies, media outlets often preserve a file and run a photograph that can be used for publication. For regular citizens, the cost of an obituary might vary depending on the newspaper—it can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The family is responsible for providing the photograph to the newspaper.

However, sometimes families must quickly gather photographs, leading to the selection of older or less than ideal images. It's a good practice to always keep up-to-date and high-quality photos of yourself or loved ones, just in case.

In conclusion, the use of portraits of the deceased at funerals serves a multitude of purposes, including maintaining the dignity of the deceased, providing a last memory for loved ones, and ensuring that mourners can recognize and grieve for the person they lost. Proper planning and consideration can help ensure that these portraits accurately represent the deceased as they would want to be remembered.

Keywords: portrait, deceased, funeral