Why Have a Funeral?

Why Have a Funeral?

We are often asked the question, “why should my family have a funeral?” Many times this is followed up with a statement like, “it will be easier to do nothing.” American death rituals have changed, the trend moving toward “less is more.”

Our funeral home believes you should think carefully and give the needed attention to this important transition in life. Being immersed in the business of funeral care has repeatedly shown us that when someone dies, surviving family and friends have an innate need to come together and support one another. To effectively acknowledge the passing of your loved one and the help grieve that loss, this universal need should not be ignored.

Consider the last time someone close to you died-  What did you feel?   What ran through your mind?    What actions seemed appropriate?   Did you want to reach out to others to express your own grief or console someone for theirs? Chances are, you had a social need to be with, or speak to others.

Dr. Alan Wolfelt, Death Educator and Grief Counselor, delves deeper into the topic. He addresses the questions, Why Is the funeral ritual important? and, What can a funeral do to help you, as a survivor? Understand how an authentic funeral helps to meet the reconciliation needs of mourning. Take time to read his thoughts, we are certain you’ll be glad that you did.

http://griefwords.com/index.cgi?action=page&page=articles%2Fritual.html&site_id=3