Post-death burial and funeral practices in rural Alberta

Abstract

Background: Burial and funeral practices are important customary mortuary rituals, especially in rural areas as people are likely to have different values and interests than people who live in larger cities. However, little is known about rural post-death practices in Canada.

Aims: This review gathered information on funeral and burial practices in rural Alberta, a western Canadian province with a diverse rural population.

Methods: A literature review of community print sources, including obituaries and funeral home websites, was conducted for select representative rural communities.

Findings: This review found that cremations outnumber burials, and mortuary ceremonies more commonly occur in non-religious settings. Furthermore, personalised post-death rituals were identified as highly significant to rural people as they allow the dead to remain connected to their rural land, family and community.

Conclusion: It is important to understand rural mortuary rituals to help prepare dying rural people and their families.