In
funeral services, a
viewing (sometimes referred to as Calling Hours, Reviewal, Funeral Visitation or a
Wake in the
United States and
Canada) is the time that the family and friends come to see the deceased after they have been prepared by a funeral home. It is generally recommended that any body to be viewed be
embalmed in order to create the best possible presentation of the deceased. 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. Some cultures, such as the
Maori of
New Zealand, often take the body to the
Marae or tribal community hall.