Funeral parlour is spelled with the final -our, which is common in British English but not in American English, where it is spelled as funeral parlor. The IPA phonetic transcription for funeral parlour is /ˈfjuːnərəl ˈpɑːlə/. The stress falls on the first syllable in funeral and on the second syllable in parlour. The vowel sound in the first syllable is /uː/ as in "do", while the vowel sound in the second syllable is /ɑː/ as in "father".
A funeral parlour, also known as a funeral home, is an establishment that provides services related to the organization and management of funeral ceremonies and the final disposition of the deceased. Considered a place of solace and support for grieving families, a funeral parlour plays a crucial role in honoring the life of a departed individual and supporting those left behind in their time of mourning.
At a funeral parlour, a variety of services are offered to the bereaved, including embalming and preparation of the deceased for viewing. Funeral directors, who are typically employed by the funeral parlour, guide families in making arrangements such as choosing caskets, arranging transportation for the body, and selecting floral arrangements and memorial services. They provide assistance in preparing obituaries and navigating the legal aspects of the death, including obtaining death certificates.
Additionally, funeral parlours often serve as venues for visitations and funeral or memorial services. These facilities may be equipped with chapels, viewing rooms, and reception areas, creating a comforting environment for family and friends to pay their respects, share memories, and express condolences.
Overall, a funeral parlour is an integral part of the funeral industry, offering comprehensive support and services to grieving families during one of life's most challenging and emotional experiences.
The word "funeral parlour" is a compound term made up of the words "funeral" and "parlour".
1. The term "funeral" traces back to the Latin word "funus" meaning "burial" or "funeral". In Latin, it referred to all aspects of the funeral ritual, including the procession, the burial, and the mourning activities. It entered the English language in the 15th century.
2. The word "parlour" derives from the Old French word "parleor" or "parlur", which referred to a room for conversation or discussion. It comes from the Latin word "parabolare", meaning "to talk". In English, "parlour" initially denoted a room specifically meant for private, formal discussions.