The More Appropriate Color To Wear When Mourning Is White Or Black?
Posted by Bereaved - 28/01/12 at 10:01 amTo interpret things differently modern culture likes and one question that crops up is - Is white the new black to wear when mourning?. At least two or more in a year attending a funeral is an integral part of life and most people will attend. They do not know the right dress to wear or the right words to say to the mourners as some people find it awkward to attend funerals. Dressing appropriately and saying the right things shows that you respect the deceased and the loved ones.
It is important to dress modestly, nicely and soberly while it is not necessary to get new attire for a funeral. For a wedding, which is a joyous occasion most people wear white. To associate white with mourning so, many Christians may not want. White is a nice, simple and subdued color that can show respect and honor the dead on the other hand, dressing soberly is the norm. Some of the common and traditional colors worn are:
Black
White
Gray
Khaki
Purple
Light blue
Navy blue.
They are all sober colors and not flashy from the above colors we see that the common factor. People wear the favorite color of the deceased if the family so desires them to do so sometimes. People may deviate from the prescribed sober colors and wear something more colorful as this can be a way of celebrating the departed person and in this case. To dress modestly is an important factor to observe. Women especially must not wear too-tight and low cut dresses is that it means. To display too much of flesh, and you may also need to bend over, hug someone, help people into their seats etc it is disrespectful.
A tight and low-cut outfit makes both you and those around you feel uncomfortable at such a sober time. Women can wear dresses or skirts that are knee-length or longer. Do not wear mini skirts please. A dress pant with a sober top is also acceptable. Make sure that your shoulders are covered and do not wear too much make-up or flashy lipstick. Stick to simple jewelry like a string of pearls or a thin chain with a pendant. Earrings again should preferably be studs and not hanging ones. Shoes should also not be flashy but simple.
Formal dark suits like black, dark gray or navy blue is that men must wear. In a sober color this can be teamed with a pristine white shirt or one. In bright colors do not wear flashy ties with polka dots or other designs. In the similar classic sober color the rest of the ensemble – shoes, socks, belt must all be. You can observe the family members and follow their lead if you do not know individual traditions. At the gravesite especially if it is hot weather sometimes men will take off their jackets.
Wear a simple watch and no other jewelry. Shorts, sandals, jeans and other casual wear is not acceptable attire. While funerals are not formal events, they are ‘semi-formal’ ones. Hence, simple dresses and a business suit will do nicely. Sometimes both men and women wear hats to a funeral. Again this must be sober and match the dress. The most important rule is not to draw attention to oneself but rather blend inare not acceptable attires. with the other mourners.
Do not wear clothes with loud patterns on them. If you prefer to wear white, then get a self-patterned shirt or dress that is appropriate. The choice of color really depends on the culture. Hindus usually wear white to a funeral since they believe a person is free from worldly pain. In fact, in some Hindu traditions, the widow has to wear white from the time her husband dies for the rest of her life.
Some Asian cultures believe that black represents evil and prefer to wear white as a sign of peace, holiness and sadness. So, actually the color worn depends on the country and culture the deceased person and family belong to. These days, modern families are a little more liberal and do not frown on people dressing differently to a funeral. However, a funeral is a sober and reflective time and the most important factor is to think of the mourners rather than how you look. So, dress accordingly.
Article by Dunbar Winston of FuneralesReforma. For more information on funerarias Guatemala and contratos funerarios, visit his site today.
