A formal gathering for honoring the deceased, involving certain rituals, is known as?

A formal gathering for honoring the deceased, involving certain rituals, is best defined as a funeral service. This type of service typically includes a structured program that may consist of music, eulogies, prayers, and other rites or ceremonies that reflect the beliefs and traditions of the deceased and their family. The funeral service is often held at a funeral home, place of worship, or another designated location and is an essential part of the mourning process, allowing family, friends, and the community to come together to pay their respects, celebrate the life of the deceased, and begin the healing process of grief.

In contrast, other options present different types of gatherings related to death and remembrance. A wake often involves a more informal gathering preceding the funeral service, which may serve as a time for family and friends to gather and share memories. A memorial service, while similar to a funeral, usually takes place without the body present and can occur at any time after the death, focusing more on celebration than on rituals directly related to the deceased. A celebration of life is often a more casual and uplifting event that commemorates the life of the deceased, emphasizing joyous moments rather than the formal rituals typically associated with a funeral service.