Funeral service in the Philippines could last from 2 days to a week. While other people prefer to have longer funeral service especially there are members of the family coming from other countries. Imagine the stress in planning a funeral. The paperwork is tedious. And making all the decisions while grieving, makes it more complicated and overwhelming. This has always been a struggle for families.
When a deceased member of the family has chosen to prepay funeral services, some packages include the use of a funeral homes’ chapel for viewing, though some could also choose for visitations and wake to be done at home. Check out Funerallink’s list of these packages here.
Wikipedia defines “a viewing is a time that the family and friends come to see the deceased after they have been prepared by a funeral home. A viewing may take place at the funeral parlor, in a family home or at a church or chapel prior to the actual funeral service.”
A funeral service should not be confused with a memorial service. A memorial service or celebration of life is a funerary ceremony that is performed without the remains of the deceased person. These services are common after cremation.
In the Philippines, funerals are expected to be at least a week long. Family and friends always hope to get a chance to pay respect and say their goodbyes one last time. The wake in the Filipino culture serves as the viewing, mostly closed casket 24/7.
Celebrities and public figures, however, announced via social media and/or the television and newspapers the schedule of public viewing. This is usually done a day before the funeral at a popular church or a funeral home where adoring fans and supporters line up to view and pay homage.
Public viewing is very important for the grieving process. It serves as a closure for some especially when death is unexpected. It is also a time to give emotional support to the bereaved family. There is a beautiful level of comfort when people who love and respect the deceased congregate in one location, sometimes loud and merrily especially during the wakes in the Philippines, and just remember and honor him/her one last time. It makes moving on less painful when everyone is feeling and sharing the same grief.
BurialPlanning states are perfect: “the important thing to remember is that your presence at a wake or viewing will be deeply appreciated by the family of the deceased. You’re there to support them as they mourn, as well as to pay your respects and share the grieving with others who knew your friend.”
Images: Pixabay
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