Funeral Service Practice Exam

What term is used for rites that involve the presence of the deceased's body during the activities?

1. Memorial service

2. Commemoration

3. Funeral service

4. Wake

The correct answer is: Funeral service

The term that refers to rites involving the presence of the deceased's body during the activities is "funeral service." A funeral service typically includes a structured ceremony where family, friends, and community members gather to honor the deceased, reflect on their life, and provide an opportunity for mourners to express their grief. The presence of the body is a significant aspect of these services, as it allows attendees to pay their final respects in a personal and tangible manner. In contrast, a memorial service is held without the body, focusing on remembering the deceased rather than a direct encounter with their physical form. Commemoration refers to acts or events that honor someone's memory, which can occur in various forms and may not necessarily involve the deceased's body. A wake is usually a gathering held before the funeral service, often at the home of the deceased or a family member, where attendees may view the body, but it is typically more informal and provides an opportunity for community support. Thus, the specificity of the funeral service in relation to the body sets it apart as the correct answer.