Funerals can indeed be held on holidays, but whether they are commonly scheduled or advisable depends on several factors including cultural practices, legal considerations, logistical challenges, and medical or public health guidelines.
From a cultural and practical standpoint, funerals on holidays are not prohibited and sometimes occur out of necessity or preference. Holidays, especially those with significant meaning such as Memorial Day or Veterans Day in the United States, may even be chosen intentionally for funerals, particularly for military veterans, to honor their service. Memorial Day, for example, is a federal holiday dedicated to mourning U.S. military personnel who died in service, and many families and organizations hold ceremonies and place flags on graves during this time[1]. This shows that funerals or memorial services on holidays can carry special significance.
However, holidays can present logistical challenges for funeral planning. Many funeral homes, cemeteries, and religious institutions may have limited hours or be closed on major holidays, which can complicate scheduling. Additionally, transportation and availability of clergy or officiants might be restricted. Families may also find it difficult to gather attendees during holidays due to travel or other commitments.
Legally, there are generally no prohibitions against holding funerals on holidays. Employment laws in some jurisdictions provide leave for employees to attend funerals, but these laws do not typically restrict the timing of funerals to non-holidays. For example, Illinois law requires employers with 51 or more employees to provide paid leave for employees participating in military funeral honors, but it does not specify restrictions related to holidays[2]. Similarly, public holidays are recognized for leave and pay purposes, but they do not prevent funerals from occurring on those days[3].
From a medical and public health perspective, there are no inherent medical restrictions against holding funerals on holidays. However, during times of public health crises such as pandemics, authorities may impose restrictions on gatherings, including funerals, regardless of the day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for handling human remains to prevent infectious disease transmission, but these guidelines apply uniformly and do not differentiate holidays from other days[7]. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some funeral services were limited or modified to reduce transmission risk, but these restrictions were based on public health conditions rather than the calendar date.
In terms of religious or cultural customs, some traditions may discourage or prohibit funerals on certain holy days or festivals, while others may embrace them. For instance, some religions have specific mourning periods or days when funerals are not conducted. Conversely, some families may choose to hold funerals on holidays to allow more people to attend or to imbue the ceremony with additional meaning.
It is also worth noting that funerals can be held for cremated remains or after embalming, and there is no legal requirement that a funeral must occur immediately after death or on a non-holiday[4]. This flexibility allows families to schedule funerals at a time that is most convenient or meaningful, including holidays.
In summary, funerals can be held on holidays without legal or medical prohibitions, though practical considerations such as availability of services and attendees, as well as cultural or religious customs, may influence the decision. Public health guidelines apply equally to funerals on holidays and non-holidays, focusing on safety rather than timing. Families and funeral providers often navigate these factors to arrange funerals that honor the deceased while accommodating logistical realities.
Sources:
[1] Memorial Day – Wikipedia
[2] Illinois Paid Leave for Employees Who Serve As Military Funeral Honors Detail – National Law Review
[3] E-DPM | Hours of Work, Legal Holidays, and Leave – District of Columbia Official Code
[4] 7 Misconceptions About Funerals – Mental Floss
[7] Importation of Human Remains into the U.S. for Burial, Entombment – CDC
