Why We Gather
The Importance of Ceremony
Did you know having a visitation, funeral, memorial service, life celebration or a burial service is an essential part of the healing process after a loss? These events hold great importance, offering a meaningful opportunity for the bereaved to come together and find comfort in one another’s company while experiencing similar emotions. Numerous studies by grief experts have shown the act of ceremony positively benefits the family, friends and even coworkers who may have shared connections with the loved one.
Having a ceremony:
1. Helps the bereaved acknowledge the reality of their loved one’s passing, which can initiate the first steps of converting an ongoing relationship into cherished memories.
2. Provides a central gathering place for family and friends, enabling them to come together and share their grief, finding comfort in each other’s presence.
3. Creates a safe environment that fosters a sense of community and social support, encouraging individuals to be vulnerable and express their emotions freely.
4. Offers a sense of continuity and hope by allowing others to come to terms with their own grief and initiating their own unique healing process.
