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The Importance of the Funeral Ritual
The funeral ritual, too, is a public, traditional and symbolic means of expressing our beliefs, thoughts and feelings about the death of someone loved. Rich in history and rife with symbolism, the funeral ceremony helps us acknowledge the reality of the death, gives testimony to the life of the deceased, encourages the expression of grief in a way consistent with the culture’s values, provides support to mourners, allows for the embracing of faith and beliefs about life and death, and offers continuity and hope for the living.
A very good video is on this site to explain how important a funeral is.
Dr. John Canine, PhD, one of the premier grief counselors in the U.S., states that before the 1900’s, people were not afraid of death – it was an accepted part of life. When a person died, it was usually at home, and everyone was involved in preparing the body for the funeral. In the past couple of decades, that has changed. Our culture tends to ignore death and even tries to deny it by giving up the funeral ritual. However, by foregoing this ritual, a very important step is missed. That is - the first step of the grieving process - the sharing of grief with those around us. All of the rituals in our lives, including births, marriages and deaths are marked by sharing with those around us.
Funerals are not to benefit the dead, but the living. They have a number of unparalleled therapeutic benefits. As a rite of passage, the funeral assists you in recognizing the passing of your loved one, supporting you as you start your life without the deceased, and reintegrating you back into the social group as a person whose loved one is no longer alive.
How To say Goodbye
And The Importance Of The Funeral Ceremony
Emotional - a funeral allows us to “let go” of our emotions and face the reality of death. It allows family and friends to share memories of a loved one, to laugh and cry together and provide vital support for each others grief. Physical - the disposal of the deceased’s body is controlled by State laws, and is usually by way of burial or cremation Social - a funeral is a social event that emphasizes and acknowledges life. It is also an historical event that should be shared, so that family and friends can support each other. Spiritual - a funeral helps us realise that material things don’t really matter as money can’t buy the most precious gift of all, that of life. A funeral gives expression to love and allows faith to be shown.
Once we see and understand how we deal with death, it is time to consider how the funeral enters into this process. The funeral serves many purposes but is best expressed in the following statements.
