What is the purpose of a viewing or visitation?

The purpose of a viewing or visitation primarily revolves around providing a space and time for family and friends to pay their respects to the deceased and to say their final goodbyes. This practice holds significant emotional value, as it allows mourners to engage in a communal grieving process, share memories, and support one another during a difficult time.

During a viewing, attendees can often see the deceased in an open casket, which can help them acknowledge the reality of loss, express their feelings, and begin the healing process. It serves as an important ritual in many cultures, facilitating the transition from life to death and emphasizing the connection between the deceased and those still living.

Other options do not encompass the fundamental purpose of a viewing or visitation. For example, forgoing the funeral service diminishes the importance of honoring the deceased and supporting the bereaved. Conducting a financial assessment or finalizing burial arrangements are practical matters that are distinct from the emotional and ceremonial aspects of a viewing, which is fundamentally about attachment, remembrance, and farewell.