What is the purpose of viewing a dead body?
Viewing the dead helps us to understand, on a deeper level, that they are really gone. It provides a concrete, physical way to say goodbye that helps us grasp the reality of the loss and thus start the important work of grieving. Viewings can be particularly important when a loved one dies a sudden or unexpected death.
What is a viewing for a dead person?
In funeral services, a viewing (sometimes referred to as calling hours, reviewal, funeral visitation in the United States and Canada) is the time that the family and friends come to see the deceased after they have been prepared by a funeral home.
What happens at a funeral viewing?
During a viewing, the body of the deceased is present, often in an open casket. The deceased will have been embalmed and prepared by the funeral home, in most cases, and otherwise ready for the burial or cremation. The viewing typically occurs right before a funeral so family and friends can be present.
How long do you stay at a viewing?
There is no requirement for how long you should stay at a visitation. The length of your visit depends more on how well you know the family and how long it takes to offer your condolences and speak to other visitors. Many people stay a short time, about 15 minutes, which can be long enough to extend your sympathies.
What happens at a body viewing?
During a viewing, the body of the deceased is present, often in an open casket. The deceased will have been embalmed and prepared by the funeral home, in most cases, and otherwise ready for the burial or cremation. This is an opportunity to see the deceased one last time and say your quiet goodbyes.
How long does a viewing usually last?
A viewing (also called a wake) may be brief and take place immediately before the funeral service, or may last for up to three days before the service. A visitation can take place any time, before or after the funeral service or disposition, and can last for hours or days.
Do I wear black to a viewing?
When attending a visitation it is best to dress conservatively. While most people typically wear black or other dark colors to anything funeral-related, that is not necessary. What you wear should be subdued, unless otherwise requested by the family.
What can I expect at a funeral viewing?
Visitations, most often at the funeral home, tend to be a time when friends and family members gather together. A combination of pictures, flowers, and the urn are set-up in place of the casket; some families choose to not even have the ashes present. People attend and offer support to the family.
Is the body at the visitation?
Most visitations are held at the funeral home or the family’s home before the funeral itself. Depending on the wishes of the family, the body may be present – although this is more common during viewings and wakes.
How does a viewing work?
What is a Viewing? A viewing is an unstructured gathering of friends and family where visitors can pay their respects to either the deceased after having been prepared by a mortician, or to a cremation urn or series of memorial photos. A viewing, compared to a funeral, is generally a more informal event.
Can you view a body without embalming?
Many funeral homes will not allow a public viewing unless embalming is performed. It is not a state or federal law that embalming be required. Fortunately, under most circumstances, dry ice can be used for viewing the body, having a visitation, or simply preserving the body for burial within 48 – 72 hours after death.
What happens during a viewing?