There are generally accepted laws and customs regarding a mourner, whether mourning for a relative or for the tragedy of the destruction of the bais hamikdash. Examples include restriction from bathing and hair cutting. What is the purpose of these halachos? Is there a theme? Some ideas might be:
- We are required to actualize our grief.
- Doing these actions give us a "geshmak" which makes us forget about our grief.
Are there any sources that address this? Any ideas?