The Untold Story of American Funeral and Mourning Traditions

Why do we embalm the deceased? Why are funerals so expensive? Is there a reason coffins are shaped the way they are? When-and why-did we start viewing the deceased? Ceremonies for honoring the departed are crucial parts of our lives, but few people know where our traditional practices come from-and what they reveal about our history, culture, and beliefs about death. In Last Rites, author Todd Harra takes you on a fascinating exploration of American funeral practices-examining where they came from, what they mean, and how they are still evolving.

Our conventions around death, burial, and remembrance have undergone many great transitions-sometimes due to technology, respect for tradition, shifting sensibilities, or even to thwart grave robbers. Here you'll explore:

. Influences for American rituals-from medieval Europe, the Roman Empire, and even ancient Egypt
. When mourning fell out of fashion-and how George Washington's passing brought it back
. Abraham Lincoln's landmark funeral and its widespread impact
. Flowers, liquor, mourning gifts, and caskets-the reasons behind our grieving customs
. Unknown soldiers-how warfare influenced funeral and bereavement practices ... and vice versa
. How growing populations, religion, inventions, and media have changed and continue to shape our traditions
. The future of our death rites-mushroom suits, green burial, body donation, flameless cremation, home funerals, and more

The rich story of the American funeral is one of constant evolution. Whether you're planning a funeral service or are simply intrigued by the meaning behind American burial practices, Last Rites is an informative and compelling exploration of the history-and future-of the ceremonies we use to say farewell to those who have departed this world.