Mormon Traditions

Mormons engage in many practices to strengthen their faith, such as attending General Conference – twice-annual series of sermons from Church leaders – or participating in their congregation’s missions and missionary efforts.

They attend family home evening, a weekly ritual where families come together for group prayer and scripture study. Furthermore, they visit a temple to receive an endowment ceremony.

Family

Mormon life centers on family. Mormons are taught to prioritize family first as they believe it’s something lasting and make sure they spend quality time together throughout the week.

Mormons teach that both males and females depend on their mothers and fathers to help shape them into people who value serving God and are committed to serving him faithfully. Mormons encourage working hard at their jobs while making sacrifices to provide for their families.

Latter-day Saints are encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles based on health and nutrition guidelines known as the Word of Wisdom, which was given as a revelation from Joseph Smith himself. It contains rules that discourage tobacco, alcohol and “hot beverages” like coffee or tea consumption while encouraging moderation when it comes to meat consumption and encouraging regular physical exercise.

The Sabbath

One of the hallmarks of Mormon tradition is observing the Sabbath, or Sunday. This day is set aside for spiritual reflection and rejuvenation rather than church work like home teaching, family history research or visiting sick or elderly members. It’s important to keep in mind that observing this commandment should not just be treated as optional: recently a priesthood leader had to counsel one brother who was filling his Sabbaths with so many extra meetings that he couldn’t even spend much time with his family!

The Sabbath reminds us of God’s creative activity on the seventh day, reminding humans of their dependence upon Him and that the world He has made is dependent upon them. Observing it shows devotion and commitment while blessing families, communities, and churches – its specific day can differ depending on where one lives but its principles remain the same – it gives time for family reunions, reading inspirational books, religious worship services or simply relaxing!

Mourning

Mormons hold fast to their faith of an afterlife and its promise, enabling them to mourn those who have died without ever forgetting. Teachings from 19th century church leaders as well as near-death experiences attest to an afterlife filled with comfort for those baptized and represented by living proxies.

Contrary to many Christian denominations, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints generally disfavors cremation due to its belief in bodily resurrection at death. If local customs and laws demand it however, burial will still be permissible.

Mormons are encouraged to visit loved ones’ gravesites as a sign of affection and support, often holding a brief service there to consecrate it as their final resting place. Up until 2019, endowed women were required to veil themselves before closing the casket for good; now this practice is optional.

Funerals

Funeral services are an integral component of Mormon traditions. After someone dies, family members typically reach out to their local congregation’s bishop who can then assist with finding an appropriate funeral home and making necessary arrangements. He may even connect them with a Melchizedek Priesthood holder as needed for support services.

Service typically begins with an open casket viewing for guests to visit the body and say their final farewells. At the conclusion of the viewing period, close family members are often granted time alone with their loved one before the bishop makes an address and closes the casket.

Funeral services typically consist of gospel teachings, prayers and hymns as well as eulogies written by family or friends of the deceased. A bishop or minister typically leads these services, with cremated loved ones being led through an additional ceremony by an ordained member of Melchizedek Priesthood before receiving their remains back home for cremation. At the conclusion of each funeral service a meal is provided for family and other guests – usually funeral potatoes with jell-O salad as well as either ham or turkey on offer!