There are many terms that you might hear when talking to funeral homes in Freeport, IL. about your loved one’s arrangements. Many of these terms are used interchangeably but are actually quite different. An example of this is when you hear the terms “wake”, “viewing”, and “visitation”. Although these services are very similar, they also have differences that you should be aware of. Directors of funeral homes in Freeport, IL. take a look at each of these services in more detail so you can learn which ones might be most appropriate for your loved one.

What is a Wake?

Wakes have been held for over thousands of years. These services can be traced back to the Celtics in Ireland. They were a very commonly held service then and are still common today. It was normally held in the home of the deceased, and while that can still take place, today these events are often held in funeral homes and other convenient locations. These events take place normally the day before the funeral.

During a wake, the guest stay and watch over the body. This is tor protect the body against evil and to provide a time for guest to mourn the passing of their loved one. There are prayers recited typically by a priest.

What is a Viewing?

A viewing is also an event that typically takes place the day before the funeral. It is more casual than the funeral and does not follow any order of service but instead provides guest a time to mourn and pay their respects to the deceased and the family.

Viewings are come-and-go events which means there is no set time for guests to arrive or leave. Instead, they can arrive and leave anytime within the designated hours.

With a viewing, the body of the deceased is in the room in a casket. Normally, this casket will be open so that guests can approach the body and say their final goodbyes. While not everyone feels comfortable with this, and guests certainly do not have to approach the body, many guests find this act of seeing the body as a way to begin healing.

What is a Visitation?

A visitation is almost the same as a viewing. This service will have a set time where guests can come and go and offer their condolences to the grieving family. They are also held before the funeral and are more casual affair. The main difference between this service and a viewing is that in a visitation, the body of the deceased is not present.

Considerations to Take Into Account

If you need help deciding which service you would like to hold, consider a few things such as:

• Religious beliefs – Do you or your loved one hold any strong religious beliefs that would have you lean toward one service or another?
• Budget- If you are deciding between a visitation or a viewing and on a limited budget, a visitation might be a better option since services to prepare the body for display would not have to be performed
• Family Preference – Is there one event that your family feels would help them heal more than another? For example, would they benefit more from being able to see the deceased for final goodbyes?

When making arrangements with funeral homes in Freeport, IL., your funeral director can give you more information on all services offered and help you decide which would be best for you and your family. So contact us today if you need help or have any questions.