funeral - final look

[Ju]

What do we call the ritual in a funeral in which the friends and relatives who come to the front of the casket in making a final look of the deceased?

Is the above sentence correct?


JU

[emsr2d2]

What do we call the ritual in a funeral in which the friends and relatives who come to the front of the casket in making a final look of the deceased?

Is the above sentence correct?


JU

I don't know if that's a cultural thing, but the knowledge I have of UK funerals, I've never seen an open coffin. It's not generally done here. The last person to see the body is usually the close relative who goes to the funeral home with the clothes for the deceased to be buried/cremated in. Other relatives can visit the funeral home to view the body, but we generally have a closed coffin at the actual service.

At the last funeral I went to, everyone in attendance was invited to go to the front and simply stand by the coffin, or touch it, just for a couple of seconds and some people put flowers on it too.

However, on that basis, I'm afraid I don't actually know the answer to your question - sorry!

[Michael84]

not a teacher

As far as I know, this is called (a) public viewing [AE].
Fun fact: This term was introduced in Germany during the 2006 FIFA world cup for large public gatherings of 1000's of people watching a televised football game on a single big screen.

[BobK]

not a teacher

As far as I know, this is called (a) public viewing [AE].
Fun fact: This term was introduced in Germany during the 2006 FIFA world cup for large public gatherings of 1000's of people watching a televised football game on a single big screen.

I've also met the expression 'open-casket funeral'. People are said to 'pay their respects'. Notable public figures sometimes have a 'Lying in State', with cermonial guards round the coffin and mourners filing past in silence..

b

[Ju]

I've also met the expression 'open-casket funeral'. People are said to 'pay their respects'. Notable public figures sometimes have a 'Lying in State', with cermonial guards round the coffin and mourners filing past in silence..

b

Thank you. It's exactly what all friends mentioned above here. Ours are either opened or closed coffin.


Ju

[Tdol]

I don't know if that's a cultural thing, but the knowledge I have of UK funerals, I've never seen an open coffin. It's not generally done here.

Before the funeral of a friend, we went to his family's house, where the coffin was open, and it was then shut and taken for the funeral service. This was the only time I have seen this done.

[BobK]

Before the funeral of a friend, we went to his family's house, where the coffin was open, and it was then shut and taken for the funeral service. This was the only time I have seen this done.

Was he of Mediterranean origin? When my brother died (peacefully - no facial trauma), his wife's family (flying over from Italy) were surprised and rather upset that there wasn't an open coffin.

b