Funeral Home Evolution

The evolution of the funeral home is long and storied. At Foothill Funeral in Glendora, California, our passion for funeral services extends beyond our commitment to supporting you during difficult times. We also find value in exploring the history and evolution of funeral practices. In this blog post, we delve into the 19th century, a period marked by significant changes in how society approached death and memorialization. Join us as we take a journey through the transformation of 19th-century funeral homes, from solemn parlors to the emergence of slumber rooms.

• The Home Parlor vs the Funeral Home

  

  In the early 19th century, death was an intimate and personal affair that typically occurred at home. At the time, loved ones cared for the deceased in their own parlors, which served as the central room for family gatherings and rituals. Bodies were laid out in coffins within these parlors, surrounded by family members who came to pay their respects.
  

• Funeral Home: Simplicity and Practicality
  

  Funeral customs during this time prioritized simplicity and practicality. Thus, caskets were often handmade by local craftsmen, and burial took place in family plots or churchyards. The bereaved sought comfort in the familiarity of home-based rituals, reflecting the close-knit communities of the era.

• The Rise of Funeral Directors & Funeral Homes
  

  As the 19th century progressed, the task of caring for the deceased became increasingly specialized. Funeral directors, initially known as “undertakers,” began to emerge. These professionals took on responsibilities such as embalming, transportation, and coordinating funeral services. This marked the transition from purely home-based funerals to a more formalized approach.

• Victorian-Era Funerals
  

  The Victorian era saw a notable shift in funeral practices. Victorian funerals were elaborate affairs characterized by ornate caskets, elaborate processions, and strict mourning rituals. Families would go to great lengths to create an atmosphere of solemnity, using black crepe drapes and attire as symbols of mourning.

• The Emergence of Funeral Parlors
  

  As the 19th century progressed, funeral parlors began to replace the home parlor as the preferred setting for viewing and memorial services. These dedicated spaces offered a more controlled and comfortable environment for grieving families. Funeral parlors also provided a degree of privacy, shielding families from the emotional demands of hosting funerals at home.

• Slumber Rooms and Embalming & the Funeral Home
  

  One of the most significant developments of the 19th century was the advent of embalming. This preservation technique allowed for the extension of the viewing period, giving loved ones more time to say their farewells. To accommodate this, “slumber rooms” emerged within funeral parlors. Bodies could now rest in repose for days, offering family and friends the opportunity for a prolonged and more flexible mourning process.

• Formalization of the Funeral Home

  The 19th century marked the formalization of the funeral industry as we know it today. For example, funeral homes, directors, and mortuary science schools began to establish themselves as essential components of the grieving process. This shift brought about greater professionalism, standardization, and regulation within the industry.

• The Funeral Home Evolution Continues
  

  While the 19th century brought about significant changes in funeral practices, the evolution of funerals did not stop there. Funeral homes like Foothill Funeral in Glendora, California, continue to adapt and offer modern services that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of today’s families.

The 19th century witnessed a remarkable transformation in the way society approached death and funeral practices. For example, from the home parlor to the emergence of slumber rooms, the evolving landscape of funeral customs reflects the changing dynamics of society and the human need to commemorate and remember loved ones. At Foothill Funeral, we honor this rich history by providing compassionate and personalized funeral services that respect both tradition and the individual wishes of our clients.

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California

Funeral directing is a unique job. The reason we enjoy it is because we love helping families during their time of need. Drop by our Glendora showroom any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.