Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I went to a funeral home yesterday to pay respects to an old friend who had died. There were lots of people "hanging out" by the deceased sitting so peacefully in his casket. I noticed two interesting things I had never seen at a wake before:
1) A number of people stood over the body for the longest time and spoke to him like he was alive. A long speech directed at him because of course he could not talk back.
2) A number of people took pictures of Andy, the deceased, lying in his casket.
Are these proper things to do at a wake at a funeral home?
Last edited by I'm Retired Now; 12-06-2013 at 07:25 AM..
I have heard people speak to the body but not log speeches. I have also seen pictures. When my fist husband passed, I later saw a picture that was given to my 6 yr. old son of him standing beside his dads open coffin. I thought that was morbid and it really upset me that someone would do this.
They churn out like sausages on a meat factory production line. I thought Christmas planning and gatherings would be the next - unless I missed that one ...
If the OP or anyone else finds any of this sort of thing upsetting then they should ensure that their own arrangements are made well in advance in order that their mortal remains get the personally chosen send-off.
People grieve in different ways. I think the photo taking is a little starnge, but don't find talking to the deceased strange. You figure there are probably many person in that mans life that never got to say their last goodbyes to him, and they know this is the last time they will ever see him. Personally despite the person has passed I believe they know in spirit what is said, just my thoughts. If I lost anyone really close to me I am certain I would want to talk to them when we had time alone, not in the middle of a wake.
I went to a funeral home yesterday to pay respects to an old friend who had died. There were lots of people "hanging out" by the deceased sitting so peacefully in his casket. I noticed two interesting things I had never seen at a wake before:
1) A number of people stood over the body for the longest time and spoke to him like he was alive. A long speech directed at him because of course he could not talk back.
2) A number of people took pictures of Andy, the deceased, lying in his casket.
Are these proper things to do at a wake at a funeral home?
The first one I don't think is improper. Probably not weird. If it makes them feel better it's OK by me. It is still somewhat delusional but, comfort and happiness trump reality if it doesn't hurt anyone.
The second one might be considered improper (I would feel uncomfortable taking photos if others were present - someone could make a scene in this emotional environment, someone could get upset and start saying things if they saw someone taking pictures). Even of nobody was there I would feel creepy taking and viewing those photos. But that's just me.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
