Mhoro Tendai, ndinokurambidzira. The Shona funeral customs are very important and should be followed carefully to ensure your father's spirit rests peacefully. Here are the key elements:

1. Preparation of the Body (Kugeza Mutumbi)

The body should be washed by close family members of the same sex. The water should be prepared with special herbs (muti wekuchenesa).

2. The Night Vigil (Chira/Bira)

This is held the night before burial. Family and community members stay awake all night, singing traditional songs (nyimbo dzechivanhu) and sharing stories about the deceased.

3. Burial (Kuviga)

The burial should happen in the morning. The eldest son or male relative typically throws the first soil into the grave. Traditional items like a hoe or axe may be placed in the grave.

4. Mourning Period (Nguva Yekuchema)

Immediate family should observe at least one week of mourning. The widow/widower traditionally observes a longer period (up to a year) with specific restrictions.

Traditional Foods

Sadza nemuriwo (especially pumpkin leaves) is traditional. Avoid meat from animals slaughtered specifically for the funeral in the early days.

Sekuru Chigumba has covered most points well. I would add some important spiritual aspects:

The kurova guva ceremony (bringing the spirit home) should be performed about a year after burial. This is when the spirit is officially welcomed back to the family and given a place among the ancestors.

Also important is kupisira mudzimu - the ritual of cooking for the spirit at the family hearth a few days after burial. This helps the spirit transition peacefully.

Be careful with modern adaptations. Some families now skip important steps due to Christian influence or urban living, but this can cause spiritual problems later.

While respecting our Shona traditions, I'd like to offer a Christian perspective that many Zimbabwean families now blend with traditional customs:

1. The vigil can include both traditional songs and Christian hymns.

2. The burial service often includes a church ceremony before proceeding to the gravesite.

3. Many families now hold a memorial service 30 days after burial instead of waiting a full year for kurova guva.

4. The mourning period is often shortened, especially for those who need to return to work.

The most important thing is to honor your father in a way that feels right for your family while respecting both your cultural heritage and your personal beliefs.