Home > Eulogy Writing Guide > What is a Eulogy?
What is a Eulogy?

A eulogy is defined by the Random House Dictionary (2013) as a speech or writing of praise, that is written for a person or an object that is set during a particular time, in honor of a person that has passed away.

A eulogy therefore, is praise, commemorating someone that has passed away. What is praise? Praise comes in many different forms. Sit down for a moment and define what praise is for you.

Eulogies come in many different forms. Most are delivered in the way of speeches, as commemorative writings, or other tributes that are provided in praise of the life of someone that passed away.

Writing a Eulogy

In the simplest terms, a eulogy is a gift that one can give to another person, in memory of their life. It is much like thanksgiving. When writing a eulogy it is common to highlight the deceased’s achievements, accomplishments, and gifts provided to others during a lifetime here on earth. If you think about praise in the ecclesiastical setting, praise often comes in the form of psalms, worship, dancing, and singing.

A eulogy is often much the same. When writing a eulogy, one often attempts to combine short stories, anecdotes, memories, and sometimes scripture verses, poems, hymns, and even dancing to commemorate the life of a loved one.

No two eulogies are the same, because no two people are the same. Each person and every family has different rituals and ceremonies regarding eulogies. Some families prefer formal and rigid church services where a eulogy is presented, while other families prefer much more intimate and casual ceremonies, where each person present may be offered an opportunity to share a story about an experience they had with the deceased or loved one.

There really is no right or wrong when it comes to how a eulogy must be performed, written, or presented.

Death is a very personal and intimate experience. If you have been tasked with writing a eulogy for a friend or a loved one, it is important that you take some time to consider your own family and traditions, as well as your personal experiences with the loved one that has passed. Make sure that you are comfortable speaking about the person that has deceased before you agree to provide a eulogy.

For many people, offering a eulogy is a cleansing and very cathartic experience, offering closure and healing. You may find this to be the case too. Take some time to consider writing a eulogy in a way that feels best for you, and in a manner that best represents the life of your friend or loved one.

Related reading What is a Eulogy What to Say at a Funeral How to Create a Funeral Tribute How to Create a Memorial Speech How to Write a Eulogy for a Father How to Write a Eulogy for a Sister How to End a Eulogy How To Write a Eulogy How to Write a Eulogy for a Mother How to Write a Eulogy for a Grandfather How to Write a Eulogy for a Grandmother How to Write a Eulogy for a Friend How to Write Your Own Eulogy How to Deliver a Eulogy What to Say at a Funeral Eulogy Presentation Tips Different Eulogy Writing Styles and Themes Famous Eulogy Examples Eulogy Writing Strategies That Never Fail