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Social Support
It's very healthy and helpful for the individual or individuals closest to the deceased and for those in the deceased's "outer" social circle to show support for one another. Going through all the rituals of viewing, visitation, funeral, burial, and time together in the home is certainly the best way to show support…to show "we're all in this together." One can't always think of words to say at such occasions, and that's quite alright! Your mere presence speaks volumes. A handshake or a touch on the shoulder is more eloquent still.
Reminiscing
Family and friends start to build a living memorial to the deceased as stories and recollections are passed back and forth at the visitation and in gatherings at the home where people return after more formal ceremonies. Friends may know some memorable stories which even close family member wouldn't have been aware of. Concerns that rituals around death are too social or that humor isn't appropriate at such a time completely miss the point. People need other people, and the lost loved one would certainly hope the people who miss them most could also smile and laugh when thinking back over their times together. Also, these reminiscences can communicate affection and caring which cannot always be stated otherwise.
Family Bonds
With the exception of very dysfunctional families, there's little that does as much for familial closeness as being together at "ritual" times such as Thanksgiving, a wedding, or (perhaps most of all) a funeral. Family gatherings around important life-events raise our appreciation of the family, and increase our feeling that we are secure within this group: the most important people in our lives.
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