The More Appropriate Color To Wear When Mourning Is White Or Black? no comments
Is white the new black to wear when mourning? is modern culture likes to interpret things differently and one question that crops up. An integral part of life and most people will attend at least two or more in a year is attending a funeral. To attend funerals some people find it awkward as they do not know the right dress to wear or the right words to say to the mourners. 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.
From the above colors we see that the common factor is that they are all sober colors and not flashy. Sometimes, people wear the favorite color of the deceased if the family so desires them to do so. This can be a way of celebrating the departed person and in this case, people may deviate from the prescribed sober colors and wear something more colorful. An important factor to observe is to dress modestly. This means women especially must not wear too-tight and low cut dresses. It is disrespectful to display too much of flesh, and you may also need to bend over, hug someone, help people into their seats etc.
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.
Men must wear formal dark suits like black, dark gray or navy blue. With a pristine white shirt or one in a sober color this can be teamed. With polka dots or other designs in bright colors do not wear flashy ties. Shoes, socks, belt must all be in the similar classic sober color the rest of the ensemble. Then you can observe the family members and follow their lead if you do not know individual traditions. If it is hot weather sometimes men will take off their jackets at the gravesite.
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.
With loud patterns on them do not wear clothes. If you prefer to wear white, then get a self-patterned shirt or dress that is appropriate. Depending on the culture he choice of color is made. From worldly pain Hindus usually wear white to a funeral since they believe a person is free. The widow has to wear white from the time her husband dies for the rest of her life in fact, in some Hindu traditions.
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, who is a specialist in hispanic estate planning. For more information on funeraria Guatemala and cremacion, visit his site today.