What is a catafalque used for during funerary practices?

A catafalque serves a specific purpose in funerary practices as a raised platform for displaying the body. Traditionally, it is an elegantly designed structure that elevates the deceased, making them more visible to mourners during a visitation or a funeral service. This prominence also adds a sense of dignity and respect to the presentation of the body, allowing family and friends to pay their final respects in a formal setting.

In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of funeral services. A dedicated space for grief counseling would focus on providing emotional support to mourners, rather than serving as a physical display for the body. Similarly, a resting place for funeral flowers does not address the display of the deceased but instead highlights floral tributes. Finally, a space for conducting last rites pertains to religious or spiritual ceremonies performed before death or at the funeral, rather than a physical platform for the deceased. Hence, the catafalque specifically fulfills the function of showcasing the body during the rituals of mourning and remembrance.