Why are funerals important?

Many people say “I don’t want a service; I want to keep it simple”. Keeping things simple and easy is what we do best at Simplicity. But for most of us, the opportunity to say goodbye is an important part of the healing process.

Funerals have been part of human culture since the beginning of civilisation. To think about why funerals are important, we need to consider the important services they provide for those of us left behind.

The importance of funerals in processing grief

 

Researchers and psychologists agree that that participating in a funeral ceremony can help to counter the initial effects of grief, such as shock, numbness and disbelief. A funeral provides a safe and appropriate space for our grief to surface, allowing us to share our feelings with others. This sharing creates the foundation for what many call 'good grief' – a healthy approach to processing loss.

Why funerals are important for saying goodbye

 

While a funeral is focused on the person who has died, in reality, it's actually much more for those left behind. It gives us a precious opportunity to say thank you, I love you, and I’ll always remember you. You don't even have to call it a funeral – it could be a gathering, tribute, ceremony, send-off, or get-together – whatever suits you best.

The role of funerals in uniting people

 

Throughout history, humans have created rituals to honour the passing of their loved ones. The importance of funerals lies in their ability to bring people together in grief, provide a space for us to remember together, allow an opportunity to say goodbye, and create a sense of closure.

Supporting each other through loss

 

The importance of funerals includes the way they allow us to support one another. They provide a dedicated time and place for people to gather, and to share stories and memories. This gathering offers us the chance to both give and receive support, which we can draw on in the coming weeks and months, when the reality of loss truly begins to sink in.

There’s comfort in simplicity

Our experienced team understand that keeping things simple is the best approach — especially during difficult times. If you need to plan a funeral, we can help.

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