Quaker Funeral - Do We Wear Black

[nannybooby]

an elderly neighbour died recently ,her funeral is later today do we wear black as a sign of respect ,if not what do you wear ? Help please.

[naomi24]

It isn't obligatory or expected.

[chrisgel]

Apparently "Quaker mourners tend not to wear black

http://www.oxfordquakers.com/?q=funerals

[Octavius]

They often don't wear black or sombre colours as they see the funeral as a sense of joy in celebrating and thanking God for the life now completed.

[naomi24]

I should have added I wouldn't wear anything flamboyant, but I wouldn’t do that at any funeral.

[naomi24]

I don't know if you're getting the wrong impression here. Quakers aren't known for their colourful dress, and many do wear black to funerals. It's your choice really. Be prepared for a funeral that's different though. An interesting experience.

[nannybooby]

Well it certainly was different , not an experience I would willingly repeat.Sober clothes with a touch of colour was the norm. My neighbour was a lovely lady and I was glad we went but my goodness it was harrowing with all the silences and her poor family were in so much pain.

[woofgang]

I don't think the silences are meant to be harrowing nanny...

[naomi24]

Told you to be prepared for something different! I agree. Those long silences feel interminable and do seem to prolong the agony.