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The funeral usually includes a ritual through which the corpse of the deceased is given up. [2] Depending on culture and religion, these can involve either the destruction of the body (for example, by cremation or sky burial ) or its preservation (for example, by mummification or interment ). Differing beliefs about cleanliness and the relationship between body and soul are reflected in funerary practices. When a funerary ceremony is performed but the body of the deceased is not available, it is usually called a memorial service or celebration of life. [3]
The word funeral comes from the Latin funus , which had a variety of meanings, including the corpse and the funerary rites themselves. Funerary art is art produced in connection with burials, including many kinds of tombs , and objects specially made for burial with a corpse.
Substantial cross-cultural and historical research document funeral customs as a highly predictable, stable force in communities. [6] [7] Funeral customs tend to be characterized by five "anchors": significant symbols, gathered community, ritual action, cultural heritage, and transition of the dead body (corpse). [2]