A eulogy is a speech or writing that praises a person, especially someone who has recently died or retired, or as a way to show affection. Eulogies may be given during funeral services. In the United States, they often happen at a funeral home during or after a wake, which is a gathering before the funeral. In the United Kingdom, they are usually given during the service, often at a crematorium or place of worship, before the wake. Some religious groups in the United States may not allow eulogies during services to follow traditions. Eulogies can also praise people who are still alive, such as during birthdays, office parties, or retirement celebrations.

Eulogies are different from elegies, which are poems about the dead; from obituaries, which are articles that describe someone’s life; and from obsequies, which are the rituals during funerals. Roman Catholic priests are not allowed to give a eulogy for the deceased during a funeral Mass instead of a religious lesson.

The word "eulogy" was first used in the 16th century, coming from the Latin term "eulogium." Over time, it became shorter. Eulogies are usually given by a family member or close friend for someone who has died. For a living person, such as someone retiring, a senior colleague might give the eulogy. Sometimes, eulogies are given to people who are very ill or elderly to express love and thanks before they die. Eulogies are not only for people; places or things can also be praised in a eulogy, though this is less common.

In some cases, a person may write their own eulogy before they die, to be read later by a friend or family member. For example, American writer Kurt Vonnegut used a self-eulogy he borrowed from his uncle’s funeral, and Australian footballer Lou Richards wrote a humorous self-eulogy that a friend read at his funeral.

Notable examples

A well-written eulogy can offer comfort, hope, or help people remember the person being honored. The following examples are famous eulogies that have done this.

President Ronald Reagan’s eulogy for the Challenger space shuttle crew (1986):
Sometimes difficult events happen, even when we are trying to learn and grow. These events are part of exploring the unknown and taking risks to make progress. The future belongs to those who are brave, not those who are afraid. The Challenger crew helped us move forward, and we will continue to follow their example.

Charles Spencer’s eulogy for his sister, Diana, Princess of Wales (1997):
Diana was kind, responsible, stylish, and beautiful. Around the world, she was a symbol of helping others, standing up for those in need, and showing what it means to be truly noble. She was a British woman who went beyond national borders and showed that she did not need a royal title to inspire others.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s eulogy for Mahatma Gandhi (1948):
We must not act out of anger. We must remain strong and united, following the guidance of our great teacher and leader. We must not let sadness lead us to violence or bad behavior. Instead, we must face challenges together and remember the important lessons Gandhi taught us. A great loss reminds us to focus on what truly matters in life.

Ted Kennedy’s eulogy for his brother Robert F. Kennedy (1968):
My brother does not need to be made perfect in death. He should be remembered as a kind and honest man who worked to fix problems, help those in pain, and stop wars. Those of us who loved him hope that the values he stood for will one day be true for everyone. As he often said, some people see what is and ask why, while others imagine what could be and ask why not.

Content

There are several types of eulogies. Some are short stories that describe the person's life. These stories share important events the person experienced, such as their work, education, or other achievements. Another type of eulogy focuses on personal memories. It includes stories about the relationship between the person who is speaking and the deceased. These memories, feelings, and experiences help show how the deceased impacted others. In many places around the world, eulogies often highlight the major events of a person's life, such as their job, education, or other important accomplishments (Burch, 2006).