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Basics You Should Notice When Picking Funeral Mass Attire
There are several formalities such as recitations and ritualistic prayers included in traditional Catholic death services. These may seem somewhat confusing to one who has little, or no knowledge as to how these events are handled. When dressing to attend a funeral mass, one should follow some basic tips and guidelines.
Also known as the Requiem, this is the second of the three traditional Catholic services held when a member of the church dies. The primary purpose is to honor the memory of the deceased, to pray for their soul and to give comfort and care to those who are grieving. This event generally lasts about an hour and a half.
Respectful clothing should be worn to any memorial service, especially those being held in a religious setting. Sweats, shorts, tee shirts, shorts and jeans are much too casual for these types of occasions. A simplified tip is to dress as if one were going to church or to a very important business meeting.
Men are encouraged to wear suits and ties or at least a pair of dress pants and a button up shirt, all in neutral tones. Women should choose dresses or skirts that have a hemline long enough to cover the knees when standing or sitting, or a conservative pantsuit. Bright colors, bold patterns, bare shoulders and immodest necklines are strongly discouraged.
In this particular Catholic service, men should not keep their hats on upon entering the building. Women, on the other hand, are expected to have some type of covering on their heads. Some parishes and churches realize that this may not be common knowledge and will often provide veils or scarves for those ladies who do not have one of their own.
Catholic services have some ritualistic actions that are performed during the proceedings such as the kissing of the priest's hand, statues and icons. Out of respect and courtesy, lipstick should be well blotted beforehand to avoid leaving marks behind. Modesty and conservativeness are the keys to properly dressing for a funeral mass.
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