Funeral Service Practice Exam

Which of these best describes the function of gloves and rings given to mourners in early American funerals?

1. Souvenirs of the deceased

2. Symbols of mourning

3. Methods of preservation

4. Tokens of community support

The correct answer is: Symbols of mourning

The function of gloves and rings given to mourners in early American funerals can be best understood as symbols of mourning. These items served a significant role in expressing grief and solidarity with the deceased and their family. The use of specific colors, materials, and designs often conveyed the depth of the mourners' feelings and their connection to the deceased. Wearing these items was a public acknowledgment of loss and a way to participate in the communal aspect of mourning, which was crucial in early funeral practices. While the other options may hold some relevance, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose as effectively. Souvenirs of the deceased might imply a more personal and less communal aspect, and methods of preservation pertain more to the physical body rather than the emotional expression of loss. Tokens of community support, while relevant in a broader sense, do not specifically capture the deeply personal and symbolic nature of mourning represented by gloves and rings.