Since the beginning of human history, virtually all cultures and societies have had rituals to deal with death. From dressing the corpse in special clothes to preparing certain foods to share with people, funeral customs have always been present. Rituals are activities that are symbolic in nature and help us express our feelings and thoughts about life’s events.
Since the grieving process is complicated and looks different for everyone, funerals offer an opportunity to deal with these complex emotions accompanied by our community. A funeral service can bring comfort and closure to celebrate the life of the person who passed away.
Going to a service is a bit morbid for some people, and they might question if it’s really worth going to one. So you might be wondering, how funerals help with the grieving process? At the end of the day, it’s for a good reason all cultures have rituals and traditions to commemorate the life of someone who passed away.
Acknowledgment
It’s not easy to find out someone you know has died. Processing the information can get very difficult, and some people resort to denial. Watching the casket being lowered in the grave and buried will help you acknowledge and accept someone’s death. It’s a visual representation that this person is no longer with us. A funeral service will help us begin to fully accept the fact that someone in our lives has died.
Spirituality
Funerals are about embracing the mystery of life and death. Whether you’re religious or not, you might have wondered before what happens after we die—believing in something greater than ourselves can bring hope and comfort for the future. Additionally, the service can be a representation of how important the deceased was for the bereaved. Funerals allow us to find sense and reason in our lives, even after losing someone. It can encourage us to convey our inner thoughts about life and death.
Remembrance
Remembrance greatly assists the grieving process. Funeral attendees can recall and share the memories associated with that person, providing a new perspective on the person’s life and death, building a sense of closure for those attending the funeral. Remembrance can heal.
Companionship
Perhaps the most important part of providing a funeral service is its companionship to people who need it the most. Funerals are a way for people to share their grief and sorrow and feel that they’re not alone. Being able to connect and express this sorrow with others will be decisive for the healing process. Having a safe space to share your grief is essential.
Ultimately, funerals are a great help to the bereaved. Remembering your loved one in a dignified funeral is the first step to healing.
