Balfor

Balfor

Icelandic funerals are ceremonies that are largely shaped by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland, the largest Christian organisation in Iceland. However, customs may vary depending on religious group. Traditions such as death announcements in national Icelandic newspapers and wakes are common in Iceland. The ritual of embalming is not performed, and the burial process is usually completed within 8 days. Cremations have not been common in Icelandic burial history but are gaining popularity. Christian funeral practises generally follow the Icelandic Church's Liturgy book. The funeral is held in a church and performed by a priest. After the ceremony the coffin is either taken to the cemetery to be buried or the crematorium to be cremated. Once buried, wreaths, flowers and a wooden cross can be placed on the grave. Pagan funeral practises reflect the deep respect for nature. They are usually held outdoors with the ceremony performed by a Gothi. Readings from the Edda or other appropriate literature are included.Death rituals can also be found in Icelandic folklore in the Sagas of Icelanders. Often special treatment of the corpse was performed as this was believed to prevent the corpse from waking and returning to wreak havoc on the living.Some cemeteries in Iceland are Fossvogur, Gufunes, Kópavogur, Viðey Island, Hólavallagarður, Sólland.

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