Funerals have been part of social and spiritual fabric of society for thousands of years. A funeral has always been an important event; a time to honor human life, a time to share grief, and a time for friends to show their support for those left behind. In some cultures, the funeral is a vital step in religious rituals that send the deceased into the afterlife.
The funeral helps the immediate family. At the time of the funeral, the family is just the beginning to realize its loss. A sense of loneliness sets in. When friends show their concerne through their presence and words of comfort, loneliness is reduced and the loss seems easier to hear.