Funerals With Visitations

A funeral is customarily preceded by a visitation, viewing or a wake. These represent the practice of allowing mourners to gather in a smaller, more intimate setting, to spend time with the family and the deceased. This custom is an important part of the grieving process. Mourners can take their time with the body and move closer to a true realization that the loved one is gone. Traditionally, the visitation, viewing or wake will last from 1 to 3 days.

Visitations and viewings are usually held at the funeral home. The immediate family members arrive early so that they can greet their guests. Family and friends come for a short fellowship. They greet the family and view the body.

The wake comes from Irish custom. Traditionally, the body would be placed in a home. There would be copious amounts of food and alcoholic drink. Extended family, neighbors, and friends would come to socialize and reminisce about the deceased. The wake is not a morose affair. It is more like a party, a celebration of a life and a sentimental send off. Today, wakes are usually held at a funeral home or hall.

The Informal Precursor to the Funeral

The visitation, viewing or wake sets a tone for the more formal funeral service. These affairs normally do not have a set program and the body is more accessible than at the funeral. Thus, they allow the family to gather loved ones around the deceased in a more intimately. It also allows the community to show its love and support of the family more directly.