[Renaud]

There is usually a 'viewing' in mortuary chambers where people/close family can visit the deceased a few days before burial.

There is no open casket during the ceremony though. That part seems to be fairly specific to North America.

[dhosek]

In the North American (Catholic) funeral masses I've attended, the coffin was at the front of the church but closed. Only the wake at the funeral home (usually the day before) had the open casket. Funeral services at the funeral home have had an open casket.

[frogpelt]

I assumed the "viewing" was to bring a sense of closure. Maybe that's silly. Does it help to see them dead? The last viewing I went to the person's hands and face were bruised because of IV lines and such. It wasn't nice.

[Beltalowda]

Well, death in general isn't very nice.

I don't know if it really helps; needs a controlled study I suppose :-) I just enjoyed being there with the family. That part did help.