Funerals are a sad affair, but according to one funeral home in Oregon, they can also be very profitable one. Starting this year, the funeral home is opening on Saturdays instead of Sundays, and they say that the change has already paid off.
While there are certainly those who would disagree with the decision to hold funerals on a day when most people are out having fun, it’s interesting to think about what other services might be profitable if offered on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. If you’re thinking of making this change to your business, there are some things to keep in mind first.
Can Funerals be Held on Saturdays?
Funerals can be held on Saturdays in some states, but they are not always legal. Funerals on Saturdays are typically more affordable and usually go smoother than funerals that are held on Sundays.
States that allow Saturday funerals typically have laws that permit the practice if certain conditions are met. These conditions typically include making sure that the funeral is held at a cemetery that is open on Saturdays, and that the funeral home does not charge any additional fees for having the service on Saturday.
The Religious Beliefs of Many Americans
According to a 2010 study by the Pew Research Center, almost half of Americans (46%) say that funerals can be held on Saturdays, while another third (34%) say they can be held on Sundays. In contrast, just 22% of Americans say that funerals can only be held on weekdays.
This difference in religious beliefs about when funerals can take place may have something to do with the fact that many people who attend funerals are members of religious groups that traditionally abide by particular days for rituals like burial. For example, Orthodox Christians and some Muslims typically bury their dead on Sundays, while most Protestants bury their dead on Thursdays.
So although there is no definitive answer as to why funerals are more commonly held on weekends in America, it may be indicative of the religious diversity found throughout the nation.
The History of the Sabbath
Saturdays were once considered the Sabbath day by many Christians. In fact, the first Christian church was actually built on a Saturday. However, over time, Sunday became the official day of rest. Today, most Christians still follow this tradition and hold funerals on Saturdays. But why?
There are several reasons why funerals were once held on Saturdays. First, Sundays were originally a sacred day of worship for the Christians and were not intended for everyday use. Second, back in the days when transportation was limited and there was no internet, people would often bury their dead on Saturday because it was the only day that the body could be left out in the open without being disturbed. And finally, in some cases, it was simply easier to get a permit to hold a funeral on a Saturday than it was on a Sunday. Today, most countries have laws prohibiting funeral ceremonies from taking place on Saturdays unless they are specifically allowed by law.
While most Christians now follow the tradition of holding funerals on Sundays, there is still some debate regarding this matter. Some people believe that the original purpose of Saturday as the Sabbath day – to allow for burial – has been lost and that it is now simply a day of rest. Others believe that whether or not a day is considered the Sabbath day depends on its original purpose and should not be changed based on current customs or beliefs.
The Pros and Cons of Holding a Funeral on a Saturday
There are pros and cons to having a funeral on a Saturday. On the pro side, it can be more affordable since there are fewer people in the casket industry on weekends. Additionally, some families may prefer to hold a funeral on a weekend because they have more time to prepare. Conversely, there are also disadvantages to having a funeral on Saturday. First and foremost, many people are not available on Saturdays due to their work schedules. This can create a shortage of caterers and other vendors who may be able to service the funeral home. Additionally, many mourners feel that funerals should be held during the week so that they have more time to grieve in private.
Ultimately, it is best to speak with a funeral home about the pros and cons of having a funeral on a Saturday before making a decision.
Conclusion
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, it is generally accepted that funerals can be held on Saturdays. This is because Saturday is the day of rest in Islam, and as such followers of the religion are encouraged to take care of their bodies and minds by resting. In some cases, families may choose to hold a funeral on a weekday instead if they believe it will be more disruptive for their loved ones.