What is defined as any funeral event performed in a solemn and prescribed manner?

The correct answer is derived from the significance of “funeral rites.” This term encompasses a range of ceremonial practices that are performed in a respectful and traditional manner as part of honoring the deceased. Funeral rites can include various rituals, prayers, and customs that are deeply rooted in cultural or religious beliefs, all aimed at providing a structured way to celebrate the life of the person who has passed and to support the grieving process for the bereaved.

In contrast, while a funeral ceremony is a specific event that can be part of the broader category of funeral rites, it does not capture the full scope of all prescribed practices that might occur in different cultures or religions. A memorial service typically focuses on remembering the individual rather than adhering to specific ritualistic guidelines. A committal service, while also an important part of the funeral process, specifically refers to the part of the service where the body is committed to the ground, which is a more limited aspect of the overall rites. Therefore, "funeral rites" accurately describes the comprehensive and solemn nature of such events.