In an obituary the details of a funeral are disseminated.
The etymology of obituary is not clear, according to what is indicated by the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ). The term has various uses depending on the context, although it is always associated with a notification or a message .
The first meaning mentioned by the RAE refers to the notification of the death of an individual that is announced in a public space or in the media . The place, date and time of the wake and burial are usually disclosed in the obituary.
Characteristics of an obituary
An obituary, in short, spreads the news of someone's death . That is why it is also called a mortuary notice or funeral notice .
The usual thing is that it is published in a newspaper by the relatives of the person who died. Sometimes, however, the authorship corresponds to other people who maintained some connection with the deceased, such as friends or co- workers .
With the advancement of technologies , today obituaries are not only printed. These notices can be communicated virtually over the Internet, also allowing people to leave comments or messages. Thus, the digital obituary can be constituted as a tribute to the deceased or as a means of communication with their loved ones (to whom condolences are sent).
Obituaries are usually published in newspapers.
The classic format
If we focus on traditional obituaries, which are published in newspapers , they generally present a gray or black box that frames the information. Many times, in addition to the text, a religious symbol such as a cross or a Star of David is added.
As for the text itself, the first and last name of the person who died is usually written in capital letters or highlighted in bold. Sometimes an academic or noble title, a position or a nickname is added.
Other data that is usually present are the person's age ; the place and date of death; and the place, date and time of the wake and funeral. The obituaries, finally, bear the signature of those who publish them.
Example of obituary
In a newspaper , the following obituary can be published: «DON MIGUEL GÓMEZ. He died on August 4, 2022 at the age of 78. His wife Juana López, his son Ricardo, his daughter-in-law Marta and the rest of his family ask for a prayer for his soul. The funeral will be held on August 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel of the municipal cemetery .
Another example is the following: «JUANA CARLOTA PEREYRA. President of the Santa Marta Charity Society. She was murdered on January 16, 1999. Her family, friends and colleagues demand justice and request a prayer for her soul. The funeral will take place on January 20 at 9 in the morning at the San Cirano Cemetery .
Other uses of the concept
Beyond a death notice, an obituary can be a short letter whose mission is to make an invitation or summon someone to a meeting. These letters, long ago, were closed in a triangular shape.
By extension, currently any written message that serves to invite or communicate something to various subjects is referred to as an obituary. The obituary is circulated publicly or sent to the appropriate parties.