What does it mean to lie in rest?
Lying in repose is the tradition in which the body of a deceased person, often of high social stature, is made available for public viewing.
Why do we view dead bodies?
Viewing provides comfort and a time for everyone to say goodbye to the deceased in their own personal way. Viewing provides a means of social support. Viewing of the body should always be considered before final disposition. The open casket viewing is the most personalized part of any funeral ritual or ceremony.
What is the point of a viewing?
A viewing allows mourners the opportunity to share their grief, support one another, and say goodbye on a personal level. This is also considered an important event for showing your respects to the family. The viewing has had many name changes over the years.
What does lie in state mean at a funeral?
Lying in state is the tradition in which the body of a deceased official is placed in a state building, either outside or inside a coffin, to allow the public to pay their respects. It traditionally takes place in the principal government building of a country, state, or city.
What does it mean to lie in honor?
The U.S. Capitol has been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to its most eminent citizens by having their remains lay in state (in the case of government officials and military officers) or in honor (in the case of private citizens).
Why are funerals 3 days after death?
There were no funeral homes in that town and usually the graveyards had a chapel where if for some reason you could not leave the body at home it would lay in the chapel. The 3 days was to insure the person was dead and not in a coma.
Who has lying in state?
Individuals Who Have Lain in State in the Capitol Rotunda
| Individual | Office | Lay in State |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Sumner | Senator | March 13, 1874 |
| Thaddeus Stevens | Representative | August 13–14, 1868 |
| Abraham Lincoln | Representative, President of the United States | April 19–21, 1865 |
| Henry Clay | Representative, Speaker of the House, Senator | July 1, 1852 |
Who decides if someone lies in state?
Any person who has rendered distinguished service to the nation may lie in state if the family so wishes and Congress approves. In the case of unknown soldiers, the president or the appropriate branch of the armed forces initiates the action.