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Sociologists and anthropologists note that death rituals such as vigil, funerals and burials are important ways of acknowledging that death has really occurred. This is necessary so people can move toward completing the grief process by coming to acceptance. According to us at Mmelegi Life Memorial Centre: “The funeral is about mental health and healing.” Sociologists also say that these rituals help resolve guilt, anger and relationships. It’s common for people to have feelings of regrets for what they did or didn’t do during the deceased individual’s life. For those attending the funeral, and especially for those choosing the kind of funeral to have, it’s the last opportunity to do the right thing for the deceased. The funeral is also a time to gather social support for the survivors. Social support can reduce stress and solve practical problems. When someone dies, it leaves a whole in the fabric of a social system that needs to be filled. While traditionally funerals have been

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