Death will come sometimes when one least expects it and in its wake, it leaves loved ones mourning and asking for answers. After the death of a loved one, it is time to prepare for the burial of the corpse. Various customs and ritual rites go with burying the dead in different parts of the world. This may depend on religion, ethnic background, traditions as well as geographical location. This article will concentrate on burial practices or rites in England.

For English persons to have their expressed desires carried out after death, they may leave a written will or instructions to a friend or family members of how the burial should be carried out. In such a case, properties as well as cash kind left to these family members and friends to accomplish the task. Such persons can agree or refuse to carry out the wishes of the deceased according to his or her right. 

In England, if a family member of a corpse refuses to stand the cost for burial, a member of the public may step up to the challenge and pay the cost. The cost paid by any member of the public can be reimbursed from the estate of the deceased by law.

While at the parlor, the dead is place on ice until the day of burial. On the day of burial, the family (as well as maybe a friend) of the deceased may opt to dress the body or they may choose to let persons employed by the funeral home to do so. 

In England nowadays, a corpse is laid to rest inside of a coffin. This is to try to preserve the body for as long as possible after burial. Coffins come in different makes and for various prices. The rich who can afford to bury their dead in an expensive and lavish coffin do so, while the poor may be only able to afford a cheap one.  

Christian burials differ according to religious practices in England as well as around the world. The Roman Catholic Church for instance requires a different burial from other Christian churches. Burial in the Catholic Church require that lights are place around the body, that a cross placed on the breast of the corpse or if that is not possible, the hands laid on the breast in the form of a cross, that holy water used to sprinkle the body and that the corpse be buried in consecrated ground. While other Christian churches allow cremation of the body, the Catholic Church does not.

One practice that seems to stand out in most Christian practices in England however, is the laying of wreaths at funerals. Wreaths intricately woven from different type of plants can fix into different shapes and the cost varies. Another practice done by all religions is the reading of prayers over the corpse. A family member or friend gives a eulogy and Christian songs sung at the Church.

After the church setting is accomplished, the body is taken to the burial ground for a last round of prayers and Christian songs, then the coffin is place inside of the grave and covered over by the soil.

Burying a loved one in England is accomplished with care and seen as a last act of final farewell. Funerals in England are done with the utmost care so that all concerned (the dead as well as family and friends) will benefit.