What is the definition of a "visitation" in funeral services?

A visitation is defined as a time for family and friends to pay their respects to the deceased before the funeral service. This event typically allows loved ones to come together in a supportive environment, share memories, and offer condolences to the bereaved family. The visitation often features the open casket, allowing attendees a chance to say goodbye in a personal and intimate setting.

This component of the funeral service is significant as it helps facilitate the grieving process by providing an opportunity for communal support and reflects the importance of honoring the deceased while allowing the bereaved to receive comfort from those who care for them. The emphasis is on connection and remembrance, making it a crucial part of honoring a person's life and legacy.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a visitation. For instance, interment refers specifically to the burial or placement of the deceased into their final resting place, and memorial speeches typically occur during the funeral service itself rather than at a visitation. A private meeting among close family may happen, but it does not encompass the broader community aspect that visitations are designed to support.