Funeral Service Practice Exam

What was a primary feature of funerals during the American Colonial period?

1. Lavish ceremonies

2. Simple gatherings with no pomp

3. Use of hired singers

4. Custom-made caskets

The correct answer is: Simple gatherings with no pomp

During the American Colonial period, funerals were characterized primarily by simple gatherings with a focus on practicality and a community-based approach to mourning. The societal norms predominantly favored modesty, reflecting the Puritanical influences of the time, which emphasized humility and a straightforward approach to death. Funeral practices often revolved around the immediate family and close friends, gathering in homes rather than public spaces. These services frequently included prayer and reflection without extravagant displays or elaborate rituals, making simplicity a key feature. This focus on a straightforward, unembellished approach to funerals is rooted in the cultural and religious beliefs of early American settlers, who valued community support in times of loss without the excesses seen in later periods.