The Viewing/Visitation/"Wake"

The mortuary ritual of the viewing or 'wake' occurs after the death but before the funeral and burial.  Family members and close friends of the deceased gather at the funeral home to express their their condolences to the family and also to view the body to pay their respects. 

he custom of continuously watching arose because there was hope that the deceased might regain consciousness, as well as concern about someone being buried alive - See more at: http://www.funeralwise.com/learn/types/#sthash.dgNGNBb8.dpuf

 The custom of watching came about in the past because there was hope that the deceased could regain consciousness.  There were also concerns in the past about an individual being buried alive.  The visitation fulfilled a psychological need by helping the family and friends to the reality of the death.

he custom of continuously watching arose because there was hope that the deceased might regain consciousness, as well as concern about someone being buried alive - See more at: http://www.funeralwise.com/learn/types/#sthash.dgNGNBb8.dpuf

Funeral Service Types | Funeralwise. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2013, from http://www.funeralwise.com/learn/types/