2006-09-09 08:18:45 · 9 answers · asked by maryannrogge 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
The option of open or closed coffin is decided by the family. However, a funeral director may suggest to have it closed if the body shows signs of trauma. Two days ago a friend of mine was killed in a car accident and since the body will be shipped out of state for services and burial, our family went to the funeral home before she was moved. She was still on the table in the morgue with a blanket up to her chin. She had been decapitated and in that case, I'm sure the family may not want an open coffin at the service. It was a traumatic experience but we got to say our goodbyes to her.
2006-09-09 08:29:01 · answer #1 · answered by missingora 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The usual reason for the funeral director saying no is that the deceased was not repairable after whatever illness or accident took their life. The director is afraid that the poor appearance of the corpse will give people the impression that he could not do a decent job in the usual case. He thinks of it as bad advertising. I don't know why the family would insist when they could remember the dead person as they used to before before their death rather than a roughly put together copy of the person they loved.
I personally try to avoid looking at the dead person when the casket is open. I don't want that to be the image I carry in my mind from then on, no matter how great a cosmetic rebuild they did on tha person.
2006-09-09 08:29:06 · answer #2 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like during the war in Vietnam. Demolition experts went to gather 35 dead American soldiers, who had laid in the field for five days. Body bag, afte body bag was brought into the Hospital bunker to have all the live amunition taken off the bodies, before they could be shipped back home. When the bodies were placed back in the bags, all 35 body bags, were tagged and each tag said, Not For Viewing . That is exactly what it meant. The bodys were not for viewing, because it was too gross for people to view. So if your Funeral Director, says not to view, that is exactly what they mean. Most people who come to view a loved one, or friend, could not endure to see the worse. Usually , the Funeral Home , encourage open casket. So if they say you shouldn't , then listen to them. They know. Place a beautiful photo , on top of the casket.
2006-09-09 10:46:37 · answer #3 · answered by Norskeyenta 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes its the family's choice. But the family must also consider the feelings of the people who will be attending the funeral. If the body is too gruesome, then it probably should be a closed casket funeral. How about a nice picture on the top of the casket, that would be nice.
2006-09-09 08:25:51 · answer #4 · answered by Sexiiness 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the familys wishes are followed. Let them know if you want an open casket or not.
2006-09-09 08:22:19 · answer #5 · answered by tysavage2001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is family choice. Directors won't suggest it unless the body looks really bad and it will be upsetting.
2006-09-09 08:25:02 · answer #6 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The decision is up to you. However, I would follow the advice of the funeral director.
2006-09-09 08:24:12 · answer #7 · answered by Black Beauty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's up to the family.
2006-09-11 10:13:14 · answer #8 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
let me know how this ends....please!
2006-09-09 18:00:21 · answer #9 · answered by intergalacticvillian05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋