Obituaries and flying the flag at half-mast
Obituary in a newspaper
The publication of an obituary in a newspaper is a commonplace custom but not obligatory. An obituary usually includes the name of the deceased,
family relations (for example, ‘our beloved father’ or reference to a spouse etc.), profession or title, place and date of birth, and place and date
of death. The name of the town is sufficient as the place of death. It is also customary to include a verse from the Bible or a hymn or other quotation
suitable for the deceased in the obituary.
Since this announcement also functions as an invitation to the funeral ceremony and reception, the times and
places of these should be stated clearly. If the funeral is only for the close family, an obituary can be published
after the ceremony to thank people for their condolences.
Prayers at a church
Prayers will be read for the deceased and the bereaved at a service held in the parish church of the deceased.
This takes place either the Sunday following the funeral or when the parish has been informed about the
death. It is traditional for the family to attend the service. They should confirm the correct time and place with the parish.
Flags at half-mast
On the day of the death, a flag will be flown at half-mast for the whole day. On the day of the funeral, the flag
is held at half-mast at least until the end of the funeral service but can also be displayed at half-mast or fullmast
for the whole day. If the funeral coincides with an official flag day, the flag will be hoisted to full-mast
after the ceremony.