Why do people grieve when a celebrity dies?

The news of the death of countryman Cristiano Araújo and his girlfriend, Allana Morais, shocked the whole of Brazil and, since then, what can be seen are testimonials from artists, friends, family and fans of the singer, who not only crowded the Oscar Cultural Center. Niemeyer, in Goiânia, where the bodies are being veiled, as they send messages of solidarity in country events and also in social networks.

Famous people, when they die, can really leave an entire country in mourning, or, in the case of celebrities like Michael Jackson, an entire planet. Ever wonder why this commotion happens? What causes us to suffer the death of a person we have probably never even seen closely? Is this just a matter of solidarity? Apparently not.

"Angels don't die, just come home." STRENGTH @alldocris @CristianAraujo

- My angel? (@luanjo_EN) June 24, 2015

To illustrate this well, we can take into account that people who did not know the work of the singer, although moved by the tragedy, do not go through the stages of mourning as fans of the countryman, who cry, pray and thrill almost as if they were Araújo's close friends.

This commotion with the death of beloved celebrities seems to have to do with the fact that, in the case of fans, Cristiano Araújo was present at important moments in their lives, almost as if he were a friend or relative.

These are people who listened to the singer's songs at special times, who were thrilled with some songs, who had fun at the sound of others, who identified with some verses. Although the fan had no real contact with the idol, he had the presence of the countryman on television shows, websites and magazines dedicated to commenting on celebrity life and, in full force in recent years, on social networks.

come bring back all my life that you took (8 '@CristianoAraujo ??????????

- gabi / eternal angel (@todasdocris) June 25, 2015

Araújo was known among fans for responding to comments always with great attention. It was the artist who distributed smiles in his performances, very well liked among other middle artists, presenters and journalists. Besides the talent for music, it is evident that Araújo's charisma was fundamental for the construction of his career.

All this question of the social behavior of the singer, the joyful way he performed, the musical partnerships, the attention to the public on social networks and also during the shows, besides the lyrics, the joyful music and the identity of his work contribute to that. fans create this emotional connection with the famous person, even though most fans have never seen Araujo up close, let alone a few words with him.

Another factor that contributes to the feeling of mourning for a famous person is the identification with that person, which happens when fan and famous are in the same age group or are residents of the same region, for example. In addition, delicate family conditions also move us. When Princess Diana died, the whole world was in shock: not only was she then the most famous woman on the planet, she was young and had two children.

Celebrities pay tribute to singer Cristiano Araújo during wake http://t.co/4bHNiMfZSV # G1 pic.twitter.com/Sn5slBMBpn

- G1 (@ g1) June 25, 2015

Diana's death, also caused by a car accident, makes us realize that, in fact, death is an inevitable event, capable of taking even the richest people, who have better health and safety, by surprise, two factors. essential when it comes to the expectation of a long life.

Another point that emotionally puts people in a position of mourning at the death of a celebrity is the memory of a recent loss, especially when the reason for death is similar. It is absolutely normal, therefore, that those who have lost friends or family in traffic accidents will again feel a sadness similar to that of personal mourning.

Now for social networking, many of the people who publish homage to the dead celebrity do so, unconsciously, also because of the need to be part of a kind of movement.

offered yesterday's show to friend Cristiano Araújo and didn't hold back his tears ♥ #Today pic.twitter.com/OLwNg45HjR

- Today's Program (@hojeemdia) June 25, 2015

Many people have this need to listen, even though they don't even realize it. In this sense, the internet and the emergence of social networks have contributed to millions and millions of anonymous people to feel that they are being heard and that, even more so, they are part of a universe once dominated only by famous people: the news one.

If before we needed to buy a newspaper to get the opinion of some columnists, today we have access to this opinion on the internet, which has increased the number of "columnists", so to speak. And if that wasn't enough, any published material could go viral, which is nothing more than Andy Warhol's famous “15 minutes of fame”.

In the case of mourning, social networks also enable a kind of “sense of community” that would be able to unite more and more people who meet because they share the same sadness. Sharing our thoughts and lamentations makes us part of a much larger group, and becoming part of a group is one of the most human characteristics of all.

Liking people with whom we have affinities, whether they are famous or not, is another feature that humanizes us - and this can also be seen as a way to group us together again. In this sense, the death of someone with whom we identify for some reason is most felt by us, even though that person is a celebrity we have never had a chance to meet.

It has been more than 12 hours since the fans and friends say good-bye to country singer Cristiano Araújo, in Goiânia. #Good morning Brazil

- Good Morning Brazil (@BomDiaBrasil) June 25, 2015

The death of a famous person can sometimes make people feel a kind of existential void. When there is this issue of approximation by age, region, identity, personal traits or even just the need to be part of an online frenzy, we feel significant pain, as if we had really lost someone close or even a family member.

The reminder that everyone dies someday, regardless of age, social relevance or financial condition, is and always will be a delicate matter that moves each person differently. In this sense, reflections on death are worth mentioning, the most common of all, and paradoxically the least talked about and least liked to think about.

However, just as when someone we know dies, it is important to remember that sadness tends to pass. In the case of relatives of Cristiano Araújo and Allana Morais, overcoming the loss may also require medical and therapeutic treatments. Acceptance does not happen overnight, and these family members must have the support of other family members, friends, and, above all, have their privacy respected.