Viewing means having the remains of the deceased available for people to visit, look at, and say their farewells to. It may be done in the home of a family member,
but these days usually takes place in a funeral home in a room specially designed for that purpose.
Denial has always been a common reaction to death. Our early ancestors probably began the process of viewing the body as a way of confirming that a death had
actually occurred. This is still true for us psychologically; by viewing the body of the deceased we are acknowledging the death and admitting that life will now be
different.
When there is a viewing the remains will usually have been embalmed and given some kind of cosmetic treatment. Since the processes surrounding a death are often
traumatic, it can be very comforting for people to see the deceased clean, dressed and restfully presented.
Viewing ceremonies are often a time for family and friends to begin to support each other during the grieving process.
