Earthren Funerals

Death is inevitable, and to undo it is to go against the natural order. We do what we can to comfort those that have been left behind.

Earthren funerals are strict functions, with strict rules of how they are to be carried out, and how one is to behave at them. But among all the rules, grieving Earths find comfort in the form of stability, and knowing exactly what to prepare for. Everyone wear pure white, a colour reserved only for a funeral. The list of songs to be sung is short. Easy to pick an option without having to worry. And it's within these strict guidelines, that give the mourners the chance to just be that, without the social requirements to play host.
The most important component of an Earthren Funeral is the deceased's Earthren Collections of Jewels and Stones. The original is preferred, but in extreme circumstances, a copy can be made by using the records of the jewels that the person held. This is used to represent the person as a whole, as having the actual body of the deceased is not a possibility for Elementals.

Dress Code

The only colour (or shade, if you are feeling technical) allowed at an Earthren funeral is white. The clothes to be worn are formal. If one does not own any white formal clothes, they are to either find someone who will allow them to borrow some, or buy some of their own. To appear at a funeral and not be wearing white is considered an insult to the family and the deceased.

Timeframe

Earthren funerals most adaptable part is the amount of time after death before the funeral takes place. While the emphasis is on doing it relatively quickly, it is more important that everyone can be there. If the deceased has left their promise suffering from Shattered Sickness, then it is dictated that the funeral will take place once their promise has recovered. A similar idea goes for allowing anyone to recover from any injuries.

The Event

Earthren funerals are usually scheduled in the evening or after-midnight. It is preferred for them to occur when it is dark out so that no one needs sunglasses, so the exact time differs with current season and the local sunset.

Everyone meets at the cemetery, at the same time. Aside from the direct family members, who arrive together 10 minutes later. If there are only family members, then everyone would arrive at once as a single party. If the deceased has no family members, then it is considered generally acceptable to have those closest to them take the place of the family.

The family arrives with the small box that houses the deceased's jewel collection. And brings it to the family's plot within the cemetery, followed by the others that would attend. Records are used to determine where and how far the family must dig to create a new whole for the new addition to the plot. The family members take turns digging. During this time, the box is opened, showing the jewel collection. Those who are not digging give speeches about the deceased, and usually attempt to make note of the life recorded in the jewels that have become part of the collection. Once the hole has been dug to the correct depth, the box is closed. Songs are usually sung at this point, chosen to reflect the deceased, or perhaps are their favourite songs. Slowly, the box is lowered into the hole. And then the family fills it back up. It is customary to plant a flower in the freshly dug dirt. Usually one that meant something to the one that died.

On the stone of the plot marker, the family carves the deceased's name. Adding them to the list. Spouses are buried with the family of whose last name they took at marriage.

After this, the family and guests have a picnic in the cemetery, usually near the family's plot, though it does depend on space. This meal generally is composed of small, easy to eat dishes. The most common of which is the egg salad sandwich.