What societal change accompanied the increase in funerals' ostentation during the late Middle Ages?

The increase in funerals' ostentation during the late Middle Ages is closely linked to increased wealth among the populace. As society transitioned from a predominantly agrarian economy to one increasingly influenced by trade and commerce, wealth began to accumulate among various classes, not just the nobility. This newfound wealth allowed families to spend more on funerals, reflecting social status and personal devotion to the deceased.

During this time, elaborate funeral practices became a way for individuals and families to demonstrate their affluence and to secure a lasting legacy for the deceased. It became common for families to commission ornate coffins, invest in grand funeral services, and engage in various mourning rituals that were visually impressive. This trend symbolizes broader societal changes where wealth accumulation was more accessible to a larger segment of the population, thereby altering traditional funeral practices.

In contrast, rising literacy rates, lower mortality rates, and a focus on spiritual purity, while they may reflect broader societal conditions, do not directly correlate with this specific trend of ostentation in funerary practices during this era. Thus, the increase in wealth among the populace stands out as the key driver behind the ostentation in funerals observed during the late Middle Ages.