Funeral rituals are with us as far back in history. It has been a longstanding tradition that is not going anytime soon. Like other rituals, funerals are of symbolic importance to humankind. It is a traditional means of expressing thoughts and feelings and beliefs about losing someone we love to death.
The funeral traditions may differ across cultures. They have also evolved since time immemorial. But their purpose, meaning, and intentionality remain untouched.
A funeral helps acknowledge the reality of death
The basic purpose of holding a funeral is to confirm the reality of death. Everyone needs to know that someone has died. That is why funerals are made public. Announcements are usually put out in newspapers to let people know, especially those who know the deceased, that they have passed.
More importantly, a funeral is held to acknowledge the finality of one’s life, so the people closest to the deceased will have their first step to healing. As the funeral pros of carrollandcarrollfunerals.co.uk believe, those who lost a loved one need this celebration of life as a fitting remembrance so they can fully embrace the idea of life after death.
A funeral as a celebration of a life well-lived
Another key component that makes the funeral an important tradition to live by is remembering the life well-lived. In this celebration, eulogies and tributes are shared. People who have known the deceased pay a visit, offer sympathy to the family, and share their fondest memories.
A funeral service also features readings and songs, chosen to recall the personality and life celebrated. It helps people get through their grief journeys by moving their relationship with the dead to one of memory.
A funeral offers a vehicle to express grief and activate support
With a funeral service comes a climate of mourning. It serves as a safe place for people who lost a loved one to express the deep sorrow and grief that are taking over them. The bereaved could heal better if they can embrace the pain of their loss. It is through funeral ceremonies that they can liberally express their thoughts and feelings.
It is also through funeral ceremonies that people gather to offer support. People who knew the deceased come over to sympathise with the family, share their memories, and offer caring statements to help make the grief more bearable. Every warm hug shared, and every listening ear offered means a lot to people in mourning.
When a loved one dies, a lot of questions and confusion begin to surface. Through a well-thought, well-planned funeral, grieving families can find their way to answers that will give them peace. That is why holding a meaningful funeral for the deceased is an important ritual not to be missed. It is meant to address the reality of death, celebrate life, and reconcile with grief. People who lost a loved one need funeral ceremonies to find continued meaning in life and living, no matter the pain they are going through.
2018 ·
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