I know funeral homes do this to prop the body for viewing....but I work in an ER, and we do it also (on patients that have passed away). No one seems to know why, we just do it because it has been done for years...any ideas?
2006-07-12 18:08:44 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
What a GREAT question!
It is the illusion for the ones who are viewing the body that the body is 'at rest' and not 'dead'. (Of course why would we be sleeping in our best suit?)
It is done out of respect for the families of the deceased and the deceased him/herself.
I have always thought 'rent-a-coffin' would be a great idea. The lining gets switched out but the mahoghany $10,000 coffin is just rented for show and a much less expensive one is used to actually bury the person.
But I am just ranting there........
2006-07-12 18:13:31 · answer #1 · answered by zelo 5 · 9⤊ 4⤋
Sorry. There is nothing like that. Infact in India we Don't put pillows under the heads of deads but its not that indians don't respect deadbodies.Its just that indians specially HINDUS have different rituals.
2006-07-13 01:25:17 · answer #2 · answered by pearl k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you must have an interesting job ! But then also you must have the courage to be in this kind of job- Good luck-
Would say it is about respect for the deceased, and anyone(even alive) laying that flat without a cushion look akward, so maybe that 's the reason they do this
2006-07-13 01:13:18 · answer #3 · answered by destiny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It makes those in the world of the living more comfortable to see a pillow under their head.It seems more respectful and compassionate.
2006-07-13 01:22:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly to comfort those who are viewing the person who passed more than the deceased. Maybe it makes them look more peaceful and asleep, and it is comforting for the family to see them that way.
2006-07-13 01:13:18 · answer #5 · answered by Lilah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To give the illusion of peace for the departed. To make them look like they are sleeping peacefully, which helps the mourners begin the process of letting go. Easier to say good bye when it looks like they will be peaceful and happy.
Peace!
2006-07-13 01:11:18 · answer #6 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is done out of respect. The dead deserve no less respect than the living.
2006-07-13 01:11:54 · answer #7 · answered by sweet_leaf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its done for the families sake,it just looks better if one is resting their head on a pillow instead,of laying there,flat and stiff.
2006-07-13 01:11:30 · answer #8 · answered by deerwoman777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's just respect for the body
2006-07-13 01:10:59 · answer #9 · answered by Coxie Megan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's respectful and holds the head in place.
2006-07-13 01:10:22 · answer #10 · answered by Sara 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋