This tradition serves as a period of visitation, typically held before a funeral service. During this time, friends and family gather to offer condolences to the bereaved, pay their respects to the deceased, and share memories. The body of the deceased may or may not be present, depending on cultural and religious preferences, as well as practical considerations related to the time elapsed since death and the chosen method of disposition.
The observance provides crucial social support during a time of grief. It allows mourners to collectively acknowledge their loss and begin the healing process. Historically, these gatherings often served a practical purpose, allowing time for distant relatives to arrive and participate in final farewells. They also offered an opportunity for communal mourning and the reaffirmation of social bonds within a community diminished by loss.