African American Traditions

Traditions connect the past with the present, provide a source for a common identity, and give us a foundation for learning and growing. For many African Americans, funeral traditions are an important link to history and a meaningful path to mourning, celebrating and healing after the loss of a loved one.

Today's African American funeral traditions blend many religious and cultural customs. With influences from Christianity and Islam to African rituals from across the diaspora to include Afro-Carribean or Afro-Latino, the funeral customs of African Americans create a celebration of faith, hope and love not found in some of the more traditional and somber Western rites. Filled with effusive prayer, vibrant music and lots of delicious food, these celebrations facilitate generational strength and fellowship among family, friends and neighbors.



Origins of African American Funeral Customs

After African slaves were shipped across the ocean to America in the 1600s, they were not allowed to gather for funerals or other ceremonies. Their owners feared they would revolt. Because of that, many enslaved people were buried at night, without fanfare, in unmarked graves.

However, after the introduction of Christianity to the American slave population, slaves were allowed to gather for religious services, including funerals. Much to the surprise of their owners, enslaved Africans saw these events as a time of joyful exuberance. They celebrated their loved ones' freedom from bondage and their souls' return home. Homegoing was the popular term for this celebration.

Today, the jubilant spirit of this expression remains, as a Black funeral is as much a time to celebrate life through song, prayer and community as it is a moment of mourning and sorrow.

Today’s Funeral Rituals

African American funerals today reflect a variety of faiths and rituals—and certainly the personality and passions of the loved one who has died—though most follow a certain sequence of events and etiquette. 

How a family decides to celebrate their loved one depends on the person who has passed. If a matriarch or patriarch of the family has died, a funeral is often a grand affair with no detail left untouched. For a sudden or traumatic death, the sorrowful sequence of events requires more urgency. In all instances, an immediate period of mourning takes place after the loved one dies. The loss is heavy, yet fellowship is felt by all. Friends and family rally around, traveling from near and far, to pay their respects in person. 

After the immediate moment of mourning, planning begins. Black funerals are a true celebration of life. From the program, music and remarks to flowers, decor and food, a great deal goes into planning, and the details are as elaborate as budget allows. 

It's common for Black funerals to follow a dress theme. For example, if the immediate family opts to wear navy blue, guests may be asked to coordinate by wearing various shades of blue. The theme often continues to other elements of the funeral and repast, with flowers and decor.