Funeral Meaning
Funeral Definition & Usage
A ceremony or gathering that marks the death of a person, involving rituals such as a wake, burial, or cremation.
Examples
- "The funeral was held at a local church, followed by a procession to the cemetery."
- "She wore a black dress to the funeral to honor her late grandfather."
- "The funeral service included a reading of poems and a eulogy."
- "We had to plan the funeral quickly after the sudden passing of our uncle."
- "At the funeral, many people shared their fondest memories of the deceased."
A situation or event that marks the end or closure of a significant phase or activity, sometimes used figuratively.
Examples
- "The failed project was seen as the funeral of the company's expansion plans."
- "The sudden cancellation of the concert tour felt like the funeral of their music career."
- "This document will serve as the funeral for all the prior arrangements."
- "The merger of the two companies was the funeral for their individual identities."
- "The farewell party was a lighthearted funeral for our department's old traditions."
Cultural Context
The word 'funeral' comes from the Latin word 'funus', which referred to death and burial practices. Funerals are universal across cultures, although the specific rituals and customs can differ. In Western traditions, funerals typically include a wake, a religious ceremony, and a burial or cremation. In some cultures, the celebration of life occurs before burial, and ceremonies can span several days.
The Last Goodbye
Story
The Last Goodbye
In a small village tucked away in the hills, the funeral of the late Thomas Clarke was about to begin. His passing had left a deep hole in the community, and everyone gathered at the local church to say their last goodbyes. Among the mourners was Sarah, Thomas’s lifelong friend, who had grown up beside him and shared countless memories. As the church bell tolled, Sarah couldn’t help but reflect on the life Thomas had led. The funeral service was a somber affair, with friends and family speaking of Thomas's kindness and generosity. As the coffin was lowered into the earth, Sarah whispered, 'This is the end of an era for us all.' Despite the sadness, there was comfort in knowing that Thomas had touched so many lives. Later, as Sarah walked through the cemetery, she overheard a conversation about the end of the town's annual fair. Someone joked, 'Well, that’s the funeral of the festival,' highlighting the community's mixed feelings of loss and change. As Sarah left the cemetery, she realized that funerals, both literal and metaphorical, often mark the turning points in life, signaling both the end and the inevitable continuation of the world around them.
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