Which is NOT necessary at a funeral in Western countries, according to the passa

Funerals are always sad. But the tendency in Western countries is against making any show of one’s feelings at the funeral. The idea behind this is that the person dead would wish this last meeting of his friends in his honor and remembrance to be full of tender, happy recollections of his life, to be creative and inspirational rather than given Over to grief and mourning. Friends are careful not to show their sorrow too much, for this would only increase the pain of the nearest relatives. Yet it is hardly possible to avoid all sadness, and one should not to try to be artificially cheerful. It is not necessary at a funeral to speak to the bereaved persons at all, unless one happens to come very close to them, when a pressure of the hand, or a few low words of comfort or sympathy are enough. In contrast to Chinese custom, all forms of noise and excitement are out of place, and a solemn quiet prevails. There are usually no invitations to the funeral. Anyone may go who wishes, unless the announcement in the newspapers states that it will be private. In general, the best friends of the person who has died take the front seats, more casual friends and acquaintances the back ones.