To reduce the cost of funerals in the Middle Ages, people formed which of the following?

In the Middle Ages, people formed burial clubs primarily to manage the costs associated with funerals. These clubs were organized groups that pooled resources to ensure that members could afford burial expenses when the time came. Members typically paid a fee into the club, providing a safety net that would cover funeral costs, which could be quite high. This community-driven approach allowed families to secure a proper burial for their loved ones without bearing the financial burden alone, making funerals more accessible.

Burial clubs also fostered a sense of solidarity among members, as they contributed to each other's funeral costs and ensured dignified send-offs. This was especially important during that era, given the lack of social safety nets and widespread economic hardships. The concept illustrates the communal spirit and mutual aid that characterized many aspects of medieval life.

Other options, such as charity organizations and religious orders, did exist during this period but served different purposes. Charity organizations typically focused on helping the needy in various ways rather than specifically facilitating funeral expenses as a burial club would. While religious orders sometimes provided some assistance or had specific burial rites, their primary focus was on spiritual support and community service rather than managing funeral costs directly. Community councils could influence local governance and social matters but were not specifically formed to address burial expenses