What is the primary purpose of a funeral service?

The primary purpose of a funeral service is to honor and remember the deceased while providing support to the bereaved. This encompasses the emotional and social needs of those who are grieving, allowing them to gather together, share their grief, and find comfort in one another's presence. The service serves as a critical ritual that acknowledges the loss and provides an opportunity for family and friends to reflect on the life of the deceased, celebrating their memories and contributions.

While celebrating the life of the deceased is certainly a significant aspect of funerals, it forms part of the broader context of honoring and supporting the bereaved. Functions related to legal and financial arrangements, as well as ensuring proper disposal of the body, are important but secondary to the emotional and communal support that the funeral service aims to provide. Ultimately, the emphasis is on helping the living cope with their loss and start the healing process, making this the central goal of the service.