How did funerals change as the Middle Ages came to a close?

As the Middle Ages drew to a close, there was a significant shift in the nature of funerals, particularly influenced by societal changes such as the growth of wealth, the rise of the merchant class, and the evolving norms surrounding death and burial practices. Funerals during this period began to reflect the wealth and status of the deceased and their families, leading to more elaborate and expensive ceremonies.

These ostentatious funerals often included lavish displays, such as intricate coffins, elaborate tombs, and public displays of mourning that signified the social status of the deceased. Such changes were indicative of a broader trend in which funerals served not only as a means of honoring the dead but also as a way for the living to showcase their wealth, power, and connections within society.

This focus on displaying personal and familial wealth during funerals contributed to the trend of elaborate funeral customs. The customs and rituals surrounding death began to intertwine more closely with societal structures, culminating in funerals that were indicative of one’s social position rather than being solely about mourning the deceased.

As a result, the correct answer highlights this significant historical shift towards more ostentatious and expensive funerals as the Middle Ages came to a close.