Family networking in the Czech countryside: the funeral ceremony as a factor in preserving family relationships in the Czech countryside

Abstract

This paper presents the funeral ceremony as one of the factors helping to preserve networks and relationships among families in the countryside. The development of family relationships in the countryside is discussed on the basis of an analysis of attendance at funeral ceremonies in model areas of the Czech countryside. The precise forms assumed by funeral ceremonies (church funeral vs. civil funeral, funeral without ceremony, attendance, associated traditions) differ in relation to culture on the state, regional and local levels as well. The differentiation to forms of funeral ceremony and burial processes depends on a number of factors, of which the main ones are religiosity rate and community size at regional level and tradition at local level. In the Czech regions, mainly in the countryside, the extraordinary attendance at funeral ceremonies is typical. Attendance at a funeral ceremony via a representative of the family is considered a social duty. This tradition of family get-togethers for funeral ceremonies has been maintained from generation to generation. Through it families that may now be scattered are able to keep together the network of relationships of inhabitants in countryside.