noun a religious ceremony or ritual performed for a person who is near death or has recently died
In the context of religion, last rites refer to the sacraments or rituals administered to a person who is near death, typically including confession, anointing of the sick, and viaticum.
In healthcare settings, last rites may be requested by patients or their families as a way to provide spiritual comfort and closure during end-of-life care.
Last rites may have legal implications in cases where individuals have specified their wishes for end-of-life care, including the administration of religious rituals.
Last rites are often performed as part of funeral services to ensure the spiritual well-being of the deceased as they transition to the afterlife.
In literature, 'last rites' may be used symbolically to represent the end of a character's journey or the final resolution of a plotline.
Psychologists may use the concept of 'last rites' metaphorically in therapy sessions to help clients let go of past traumas or negative beliefs in order to move forward.
In the medical field, 'last rites' refers to the religious sacrament given to a dying person, typically performed by a priest or chaplain to provide spiritual comfort and prepare the individual for death.
In criminal investigations, the term 'last rites' may be used to describe the final steps taken before closing a case, such as gathering all evidence and completing the necessary paperwork for prosecution.