Funeral glossary

A grief experience that begins before a loved one's death, typically in connection with a serious illness or progressive memory disorder.

A medical procedure in which the deceased's body is examined to determine the cause of death.

A church funeral ceremony where a priest blesses the deceased. Can be held in a church or chapel.

Act 457/2003, which regulates burial activities, cemeteries, and cremation in Finland.

A permit issued by a doctor that is required before burial or cremation. Based on the cause-of-death investigation.

The official register of a cemetery in which information about the buried, grave sites and burial rights is recorded.

The right to use a specific grave plot at a cemetery. The lease period is typically 15–25 years.

A burial method where the deceased is laid to rest in a casket in the ground. The most common form of burial in Finland.

An investigation conducted by authorities to determine the cause of death, which may be medical or forensic.

An area designated for the burial of the deceased, maintained by a parish or municipality.

A built structure where urns are stored in niches at a cemetery.

A prolonged and intense grief state that significantly impairs everyday life and has been recognised as a distinct disorder in the ICD-11 classification.

The expression of sympathy and condolences on the occasion of a death, verbally, in writing or by other means.

A written expression of condolence given or sent to the deceased's family in connection with the funeral.

A power of attorney prepared in advance by which a person authorizes another to manage their affairs if they become incapable.

A burial method where the deceased is cremated in a crematorium furnace. Ashes are placed in an urn grave, memorial grove, or scattered.

A vessel into which the cremation remains of the deceased are placed after cremation, for burial, storage or scattering of ashes.

A facility where cremation of the deceased is carried out. Finland has approximately 20 crematoria.

The operations of a crematorium encompassing the cremation of the deceased, ash processing, and release.

An informal gathering where participants discuss death-related topics openly over coffee and cake.

An official document issued by a doctor that confirms the death and its cause.

A notice published in a newspaper or online announcing a person's death, containing basic information about the deceased and the funeral.

Dressing the deceased in burial clothes before placement in the casket and burial.

Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Responsible for the population information system and death registration.

Chemical or physical treatment of the deceased to slow the decomposition of the body, usually for long-distance transport or viewing.

A memorial inscription or text engraved on a headstone that honours the memory of the deceased.

A person responsible for administering the estate and organizing the estate inventory (perunkirjoitus).

A statutory procedure to determine the assets and liabilities of the deceased's estate. Must be held within 3 months of death.

A document prepared during the estate inventory that lists the estate's assets, liabilities, and shareholders.

A legal entity formed by the deceased's assets and liabilities at the time of death.

Lowering the flag to half-mast as a sign of death or mourning. In Finland, official flag protocol is followed.

A forced heir's legally protected minimum share of the inheritance that cannot be overridden by a will.

A medical specialty that investigates causes of death and provides expert opinions for legal purposes.

Financial support for funeral expenses that can be applied for from Kela or a trade union.

A floral arrangement intended for funerals: a wreath, arrangement, or bouquet. Often accompanied by a ribbon with text.

A company that provides services related to a death, such as transport of the deceased, arrangement of funerals and guidance for family members.

A memorial structure erected at a grave, such as a headstone, cross, sculpture, or plaque.

A facilitated peer support group where people who have experienced loss share their experiences and receive support for grief work.

A psychological process through which a person processes loss and adjusts to life without the deceased.

A life insurance policy funded by an employer or trade union that covers employees as a group.

A memorial marker at a grave that bears the deceased's name, dates of birth and death, and possibly an epitaph.

Persons who have the right to inherit the deceased's property by law or by will.

Comprehensive care for a dying patient, aimed at relieving suffering and ensuring a dignified end of life.

A branch of law and a statutory right that regulates the transfer of property from the deceased to their heirs after death.

A tax paid on inheritance. The amount depends on the value of the inheritance and the relationship to the deceased.

An insurance policy that pays a benefit to the beneficiary upon the death of the insured.

A person's advance declaration of their wishes regarding their own medical care in a situation where they cannot express their opinion.

A designated area in a cemetery where ashes are placed anonymously or with a name plaque. Maintenance is the responsibility of the parish.

A gathering after the funeral service where the deceased is remembered. Often held in parish facilities or a restaurant.

A written tribute that commemorates the deceased's life, achievements, and personality.

A flag flown at half-mast to express grief and respect for the deceased.

A period following death during which the family processes the loss and grieves for the deceased.

A black ribbon or strip of fabric worn on the arm or clothing as a sign of mourning.

A death notice or memorial writing published in a newspaper that tells about the deceased's life and significance.

A local church community responsible for cemetery maintenance and funeral services in Finland.

The legal position and rights of the surviving spouse in inheritance distribution and estate administration.

An heir's voluntary decision to not accept the inheritance, in which case the inheritance share passes to substitute heirs.

A designated area in a cemetery where the ashes of the cremated deceased are scattered on the ground without an urn.

A non-religious funeral ceremony without a church blessing.

A post-cremation burial method where the urn containing ashes is placed in a grave or columbarium niche.

The washing and cleaning of the deceased's body before dressing and placing in the casket.

A legal document by which a person determines how their property is to be distributed after their death.

The first year after a loved one's death, traditionally associated with observing a mourning period and known as the most difficult period of the grief process.