Hollywood Forever Resources
Debunking Common Myths About Cremation
According to the Cremation Association, cremation accounted for 59% of all funerals in the United States in 2022, with projections suggesting that this number will rise to 65.2% by 2027. Yet, despite this rising popularity, there are still some myths and misconceptions related to this funeral practice that require[...]
Recent Articles
Sitting Shiva: What You Need to Know About the Jewish Mourning Period
In the Jewish faith, the burial of the deceased is followed by shiva, an extended period of mourning that lasts for seven days. During this period, the mourning family members come together, typically in the home of the deceased, and refrain from their regular activities and daily routines, like going to work, conducting business, using[...]
Tahara: A Sacred Journey in Jewish Burial Traditions
The evocative phrase, “as we come forth, so shall we return” from Ecclesiastes 5:14, beautifully captures the spirit of the Jewish burial tradition, Tahara. This solemn rite is a testament to the deep reverence and care the Jewish community bestows upon their departed, preparing them for their final rest.
At Beth Olam,[...]
Understanding the Importance of the Jewish Cemetery: Customs and Traditions
For those of the Jewish faith, a cemetery holds a significance that goes beyond a mere burial site. It is seen as a sacred space where the physical body is laid to rest, maintaining a profound connection with the soul. Jewish traditions underscore that the soul’s peace is intertwined with the body resting in these sacred[...]
How to Make Sure Your Pet Is Taken Care of After You Pass
For most people, a pet is nothing short of a cherished family member, whether it has feathers, scales, or fur. That’s why ensuring their pet is taken care of is one of the most crucial considerations for pet owners nearing the end of life (together with their will and funeral pre-planning).
Keep reading to learn about the steps you[...]
The Traveling Funeral of Abraham Lincoln
The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was tragically shot on April 14, 1865. He died the next day.
Lincoln’s assassination deeply impacted the entire nation, already reeling from the effects of the Civil War. That’s why it isn’t surprising that his 1,700-mile journey home was packed with millions wanting to[...]
The Final Resting Place for Many of Hollywood’s Legends
Hundreds of Hollywood’s greatest stars and founding families have been laid to rest at Hollywood Forever. Each year, countless thousands of visitors journey to Hollywood to show their appreciation for the artists who nurtured a fledgling, visual medium into the creative world that has come to define the zeitgeist for the past century.[...]
The Irish Wake Tradition: Honoring Life and Death
Today, a funeral and its wake are often respectful affairs focused on ceremony and remembering the deceased. They’re hardly the place for a party, and yet the tradition of the Irish wake turns the typical reverent tone in remembrance ceremonies on its head.
Irish wakes feature many of the rituals and prayers you’d associate with a[...]
The History of the Hearse
The concept of the hearse, and its importance to the funeral procession leading to burial, is fascinating. The concept of transporting the deceased, and doing so in a way that draws attention and celebrates the life of those who pass, has existed for centuries and evolved many times.
It’s this attraction to the macabre that makes the[...]
Planning a Green Funeral
The prospect of a traditional funeral presents some challenges to the environmentally conscious. Policygenius outlines these challenges as it points out that funerals in the United States alone consume 30 million feet of wood for caskets. Add to this the 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid and 1.6 million tons of concrete used in traditional[...]
