"Serving others as we would be served"

Why Do We Have Funerals?

It’s important to recognize that funerals are for the living….for those who will suffer the trauma of losing a loved one. It is through the funeral process that a number of emotional needs are met for those who grieve.

The funeral is similar to many other ceremonies during an individual’s life, such as births, religious ceremonies, graduations and weddings. All of these ceremonies recognize an important event that distinguishes our lives.

The funeral declares that a death has occurred and commemorates that a life has been lived. It allows not only the family but friends and associates the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. The visitation and funeral is a gathering that helps to provide emotional support. This support will help those who grieve and to face the reality of death and help them to take the first step toward a healthy emotional adjustment.

Denial is a natural part of the grieving process and until the person with this denial truly accepts that the death has occurred, no progress can be made in resolving their grief.

Research indicates that viewing the body of the deceased helps to fulfill the psychological needs of those who are in denial.