The Mormon faith, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has some unique funeral and burial traditions that differ from other Christian denominations. One common question that arises is whether Mormons have open casket viewings and funerals.
The short answer is yes, Mormons do allow for open casket viewings and funerals. However, there are some specific guidelines and customs surrounding open caskets in the Mormon faith. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of Mormon funeral traditions, explain their views on open caskets, and look at some of the special considerations for Mormon open coffin viewings and funerals.
Overview of Mormon Funeral Traditions
Mormons have a few key beliefs that shape their funeral practices:
- They believe death is not the end, but rather a necessary step to immortality and eternal life.
- The deceased individual’s spirit lives on and progresses to the next phase of eternal existence.
- Funerals and viewings are a time to pay respects while celebrating the deceased’s life and mourning their loss.
Based on these beliefs, Mormon funerals tend to have an open casket viewing followed by a funeral service focused on God’s love and the afterlife. The services are an opportunity to honor the deceased, comfort the living, and reaffirm faith in immortality.
Some other common characteristics of Mormon funerals include:
- Simple casket with minimal ornamentation.
- Viewing and funeral held in a Mormon meetinghouse or church rather than a funeral home.
- Services conducted by Mormon bishop and open to the community.
- Focus on God’s plan, scripture, and the resurrection.
- Closed casket burial in a Mormon cemetery if possible.
So in summary, open casket viewings are common, but the services stay simple and focused on Mormon beliefs.
Mormon Views on Open Caskets
For Mormons, open casket viewings and funerals align with their beliefs about death and the afterlife. Here are some key reasons Mormons allow and encourage open caskets:
- Viewing the body helps mourners accept the reality of death and begin the grieving process.
- It allows loved ones to say goodbye and gain closure.
- They believe the person’s spirit lives on, so the body is just a shell.
- It reinforces their belief in the resurrection of the physical body.
- It facilitates a celebration of life and remembrance of the deceased.
Mormons also believe how the body is treated can influence the eternal state of the soul. So caring for and presenting the body respectfully is important.
Overall, open caskets are encouraged when possible to help the living grieve and show respect for the dead. However, there are some exceptions where closed caskets may be used, which we’ll discuss next.
Exceptions for Closed Caskets in Mormon Funerals
While open caskets are preferred, Mormons recognize there are some situations where a closed casket is appropriate or necessary. Reasons a Mormon funeral may use a closed casket include:
- The body was significantly damaged or disfigured, such as from an accident or trauma.
- An autopsy was performed and the body is not viewable.
- The person died from severe illness or disease that left the body unviewable.
- The remains could not be adequately prepared for viewing.
- The family prefers a closed casket for private or emotional reasons.
Even with a closed casket, the funeral can still focus on Mormon beliefs and remembering the deceased’s life. Photos, memories, and funeral speakers help mourners through the grieving process even without a direct viewing.
Special Considerations for Mormon Open Casket Viewings and Funerals
If an open casket will be used for Mormon funeral services, there are some special considerations:
- The body must be properly embalmed and prepared for viewing.
- The deceased’s head should be covered with a veil if they were married.
- A temple garment or cloth is used to cover the deceased’s burial clothing.
- The casket remains open through the viewing and funeral service.
- Flowers and mementos may be placed in the casket.
- The family provides the funeral clothing, often a temple garment or Sunday best.
- Simple caskets are preferred, although sometimes metal gaskets are used for burial.
The viewing typically takes place the evening before the funeral. The open casket remains present at the funeral service the next day. When carried to the grave, the casket is closed and not reopened.
Can Non-Mormons Have an Open Casket at a Mormon Funeral?
What if the deceased or their family is not of the Mormon faith? Can they still have an open casket viewing and funeral held in a Mormon church?
The answer is usually yes. Here are some guidelines:
- Any person can typically have funeral services held in a Mormon church.
- Open caskets are allowed for non-Mormons.
- However, the funeral format follows Mormon traditions, focused on Mormon beliefs.
- The bishop presides over the service along with any invited officiants.
- Family input is welcome, but final approval is up to the bishop.
- Cremation is discouraged, but permitted if required.
So non-Mormons can have an open casket and funeral in a Mormon church. But the service will follow Mormon customs and beliefs, even for non-members.
Can Non-Mormons Attend Mormon Open Casket Viewings and Funerals?
Mormon funeral services, including open casket viewings, are open to the community. Non-Mormons are welcome to attend to pay their respects and support the bereaved.
The services will focus on Mormon theology, but the desire is to provide comfort for all who knew the deceased. Anyone is welcome to attend. Typical protocol includes:
- Arrive on time and dressed modestly.
- Turn off phones and remain quiet during the service.
- Express condolences to the family.
- Pay respects at the open casket if desired.
- Attend the post-funeral luncheon if invited.
The services aim to offer solace, meaning, and community during mourning. Mormons welcome all wishing to participate and find comfort at this difficult time.
Mormon Traditions for Flowers and Mementos at Open Casket Viewings
Flowers, gifts, and mementos presented at open casket viewings is a Mormon tradition. Here are some common practices:
- Flowers are arranged around the casket or chapel.
- Floral arrangements sent by loved ones and groups.
- Gifts such as cards, photos, and other symbolic items may be placed in the casket.
- Friends and family write notes, poems, or scriptures to put in the casket.
- Sometimes the deceased’s items, such as a book or glasses, are placed in the casket.
These special items become part of the burial and represent cherished memories and relationships. Mormons see this as a way to honor the deceased’s legacy.
Conclusion
In summary, open casket viewings and funerals are common in the Mormon faith. They provide mourners a chance to say goodbye, celebrate a life, and reaffirm beliefs about the afterlife. Exceptions are made for closed caskets when needed. But open or closed, Mormon funeral services focus on God’s love, scripture, and the resurrection into the next eternal realm. By welcoming all to participate, Mormons offer comfort, empathy, and a sense of community during grief.