By: Natasha Archary
The Covid-19 pandemic forced people to re-evaluate many aspects of life, including the final rites when a loved one passes. Due to closed caskets being recommended, the question about the purpose of funeral viewings has come up.
Why is a final viewing necessary? Having attended the funeral of his late 7-month nephew on Friday, Sizwe didn’t know why some people choose to view the deceased.
In grieving a loved one, some may find themselves in denial at accepting the news that they are no more. Having a final viewing may be necessary to give the bereaved family and loved ones the closure they need.
As much as people want to remember the person as they were when alive, a final viewing can help them accept their death.
It’s said to be the first step in the all important grieving process.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
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Mon 16:14:59 to 16:19:56 4PM
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Mon 16:25:01 to 16:32:21 4PM 2
There are two kinds of funeral viewings:
Private – A private viewing may be arranged at a place of worship or family’s place of residence. This will give the close family a chance to say their final goodbyes in a more intimate setting. Private viewings may be chosen if someone has met with an accident, faced a long, traumatic illness or even in the event that a body was not found. The family may opt to have a closed casket for everyone else but may have the loved ones final remains displayed only for a small group of people.
Public – A public viewing gives everyone a chance to have one last glimpse of the person who passed. Some people use touch as a way of acknowledging hard realities, and funeral viewings can give them one last moment of intimacy.
Scientists who study grief say funeral viewings can help people come to terms with their loss.
As discussed on Kaya Drive this Monday, Sizwe Dhlomo and the team found there are other reasons why people want to view the body.
“So they have something to gossip about after. People like to linger around after the funeral and talk about what could have happened, especially if it’s wasn’t a natural death.”
Juliet Joseph on Kaya Drive
It’s sad that even during a time of mourning, all people want to do is find things to talk about, and sensationalise everything. Final viewings are an entirely personal part of the funeral, and it’s up to each individual as to whether or not they want to view the deceased or not.
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