The word funeral comes from the Latin word funus, meaning “funeral,” which comes from the Latin funus, meaning “torch.”
Using torches in death and burial ceremonies dates back to Neanderthal times, and the ancient Romans believed funeral
torches showed the deceased the way to their eternal homes.
Funeral rites and customs are as old as the human culture itself, even predating modern humans, to about 300,000 years ago.
Funeral traditions very widely by religion and many religious funerals are held to honor or celebrate the transition into the afterlife.
