Why Is A Funeral?

Funerals are some of the most difficult activities for most individuals to experience, especially when they involve the death of a loved one. Over the years, there has grown a common and yet distinct American custom when it comes to how funerals are perceived and conducted (James 348). However, most Americans still hold unto the traditional funerals as opposed to modern ones. Unfortunately, the American funeral customs put a lot of more emphasis on some activities that turn out to be very costly. Worst of all, the economic burden that this traditions put on the bereaved families is even more detrimental.

Death has always been and will be a topic that just a few want to talk, but since time immemorial man has worshiped their dead, and this is reflected in the various rituals and forms of burial. The anguish of death has been considered the deepest anguish of man. Death is the inevitable companion of life, is the final stage. It can occur at any age, suddenly or after a long illness. Despite knowing that someday we will have to die the death of a loved one is a terrible fact, very difficult to accept, that affects everyone around the deceased person. When the link with the deceased breaks, the suffering is so great, that they put into question the fundamentals of being, of human existence and our deepest beliefs, affecting significantly the basic family and social relationships.

Criticisms of American funeral practices have been made publicly aware since the 1920’s, and actually go back to ancient times in the scope of human’s ceremonies for the dead. Since the first published argument against modern funerals various authors joined the movement publishing their disparagements of customs for the deceased; that in essence contend the grandiosity and lavish displays are merely a social and psychological representation of the monetary opportunity of funerals (DeSpelder & Strickland, 2015, p. 306-307). Even further, regarding the encompassing funeral industry as exploiting grieving loved ones for their financial gains, while disregarding the actual needs of modern society (DeSpelder & Strickland, 2015, p. 307).

The Christian faith in relation to its death literature and its death systems presents very complex image, however patterns can be seen throughout the examples. Firstly, that death and society or death and religion seem to be linked in the sense that the death

I think the American way is the best way to Honor the Dead because the rituals are much more respectful of them. At an American funeral, if the person who has died wrote a will, it will not be neglected. If they want to be buried in a certain place, or have any specific directions, it will be executed, and I think that is very respectful of them. I think this one is significantly better than all other kinds of funerals because it honors them more than any other kind does. Therefore, American funerals are the best way to honor the

As humans we understand that unfortunately part of life, is indeed death. We have one chance on this Earth to find meaning and to fulfill our wishes and desires. With that being said each and every person chooses to deal with death in different ways. In chapter three one of the most interesting topics we learned and discussed about was how the Chinese culture dealt with the passing of their loved ones in ancient times. The Chinese held the belief that their ancestors went to a place like heaven and once they reached that destination their ancestors became mediators between heaven and Earth. For this reason the Chinese made graves for their loved ones in which they would often bring food and wine as offerings and they even went as far into making sacrifices for their ancestors.

As being raised as a Catholic we believe when someone dies, their soul leave their temporary vessel and will be called

Death has occurred all over the nation. It also has a huge impact on the American culture. IT came apart from the German word Deao which means the process, act, condition of dying. Many of people are involved in this process called a funeral which is a celebration of life to honor those who had a huge part in our livelihood.

Funerals have been a long running tradition in many cultures and societies after a loved one has passed. In the book “Tuesdays with Morrie”, by Mitch Albom, the main character, Morrie, chose to have a living funeral after receiving the news that he had ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts a lot of physical functions finally proceeding to death. A living funeral is held before the person has passed, so the person who is soon to pass can hear all the wonderful things that their friends and family have to say before they pass. Living funerals aren’t practiced as much as the classic funeral because the views on a living funeral are not anywhere near as popular. Living funerals for most can create a sort of awkward and emotionally degrading experience. Then again, I feel like seeing a loved one in their final moments is a very hard experience. Having a living funeral can raise lots of questions as to why someone would elect to have one instead of having a “regular” funeral. Morrie made the correct decision to have a living funeral and the main idea of a living funeral should be just as accepted as a “regular” one.

Here in the United states it is common to have a funeral, this usually being called a receiving friends and family, where people gather and morn the death of the lost. “The funeral service include prayers; reading from the Bible; hymns; and words of comfort by the clergy” (U.S. Funeral Customs & Traditions). The funeral is often times followed by a burial either same day or soon following and gatherings where people bring food for survivors of the lost. To other countries such as Africa and Scotland, the U.S. probably doesn't give the proper

Our bodies die but your mind and soul keep living on in full contact. The soul is the spiritual thing in us which reasons, imagines and remembers. In the platonic belief Rowe explains the soul is connected to or imprisoned in a particular body. I agree more with the platonic belief in that our spirit or soul is with us our entire life on earth and keeps all what makes us ourselves. Just like God has his attributes we to have our own and I believe it is kept in our spirit. Once we pass on to live the rest of our eternity with our Father we have to take something. To sum up the quote from Socrates he stated his soul will keep living so he does not care what you do with his body. I have always said the same thing I do not care if you want to bury my body in the best clothes or cremate it I will no longer be in my earthly body it was nothing but a coat over my

Death. Something that no one wants to think about much less encounter. Yet we all must come face to face with death in some way or another. The whole process of losing a loved one and taking care of the remains made me wonder why we honor the dead the way we do. Why do we bury them or burn them? What dictates that religion, environment, culture? What is the point of doing anything at all for the dead? To honor their memory or ease the pain for those left behind? Death in the ancient world held a deeper meaning than it does today, in the ancient world they look out for your soul and the journey it is about to embark upon. Our traditions today are merely warped versions from these ancient traditions. As I examined some of the ancient texts from different cultures, I found something very surprising, even across different cultures the dead were tended the same way. You would never notice these similarities, because the rites and meanings are so different, leading me to the conclusion it wasn’t all culture. Environment plays a small role but it was insignificant, in comparison to religion. Religion or the lack thereof was what made these death rites so different and distinctive. Religion affects the practices and different rituals surrounding how the dead are laid to rest in the ancient world as we see in Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Bhagavad-Gita.

A funeral is a chance for the deceased’s friends and family to say goodbye, to honour the life he led. In Blackley, funeral directors understand how important a carefully planned funeral can be to the members of the family. A funeral is also a healing

Most cultures and religions have rituals and processes designed to help with the mourning and grieving process. During mourning, an individual may not be able to look forward as they cling to the past and what was. Working through the reality of the loss through mourning is healthy and therapeutic. Mourning helps ease the emotional and intellectual bonds that tie us to our loved ones. The bonds do

Respect for the body of the deceased as the vessel which housed the soul in life.