The Setting and Initial Details: The video describes the funeral of Gertrud. She was Michael Müller's grandmother. Gertrud was an average German woman who died at 82.3 years old, the average age for German women, from cardiovascular failure. The narrator provides details on the cultural practices surrounding death and burial in Germany. The narrator notes that funerals in Germany are highly regulated. They must be conducted by licensed funeral directors. Funerals generally take place in cemeteries and are either religious or secular. The attire is traditionally black, as exemplified by Michael's friend Tommy.
The Cremation and Trauerfeier: Over 75% of German funerals are cremations, largely due to cost-effectiveness compared to traditional burials. The funeral begins with the *Trauerfeier*. During this ceremony, a speaker welcomes mourners. Eulogies are given to share memories of the deceased. In religious settings, priests deliver speeches; in secular ones, a hired speaker may be employed. Music often plays a part, although in this case, the planned organist was unavailable.
The Burial and Legal Considerations: The funeral director leads the procession to the burial plot. German law largely mandates burials in state-owned cemeteries. However, alternative options like sea or forest burials are gaining popularity. Forest burial is the preferred choice if given a free selection. A final blessing is offered before the urn is lowered. Mourners leave offerings of sand or roses. A significant legal difference highlighted is the requirement in almost all German states for cremated ashes to remain in the funeral home's possession. This contrasts with practices in other countries.
The Leichenschmaus: Following the burial, the family attends the *Leichenschmaus*. It is a post-funeral gathering comparable to a wake. The term literally translates to "corpse snack."
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