Viewing
Traditionally, mourners come to pay their respects to the deceased by viewing their body in an open or closed casket before the funeral, and by spending time with the grieving family. Today, however, many people are dispensing with a viewing entirely. Whatever your preference, spending time in a peaceful environment saying goodbye can be beneficial to one’s grieving process.
This is especially true for those who could not spend time with the deceased while they were alive. Children too, can often benefit immensely from the opportunity to view and farewell the person they love. And for some, dressing and preparing the body for a viewing is an important part of paying tribute, bestowing honour, and showing respect to the deceased.