Lying in repose

Laying out is the open issue of a deceased person in a prescribed or officially approved period in public or private premises before the funeral on a bier or in a coffin.

Measures before laying out

Following the occurrence of death must first perform a necropsy and (also called the death certificate or death certificate ) explain the release by the death certificate of a doctor. Before issuing this certificate does not care and treatment measures may be carried out on the deceased. If the death certificate duly issued and is not notifiable infectious disease before, a hygienic supply should be performed on the corpse. For longer periods or in certain circumstances (injuries, staining) caused Laying out a thanatopraktische treatment is advisable. This allows for a hygienic and aesthetically acceptable lying in state in an open coffin. The body should also be dressed according to the care or treatment with personal clothing or a shroud.

Possible locations for a mortuary

Then you have the option to keep the deceased in the house of death to him there - depending on state law different lengths - aufzubahren. The Lying in State at home must be in compliance with the respective legal (international ) regulations. The legal basis for this are different in the various German states. A corpse can be laid out further in the mortuary of a cemetery, a funeral home or in a church, so far as the law certain conditions are met.

Open and closed lying in state

It is divided into two forms of lying in state, the open and the closed lying in state. The closed form is mainly selected with about 90 percent Aufbahrungsart. In the closed laying out the deceased is laid out in a sealed coffin. In the open-top variant of the corpse is placed in the open coffin or on a bier, and may be considered by the members.

Function of laying out

The mortuary is an important element of the grieving process for some people. Just laying out the open makes the death of the deceased clearly and can help in the processing of events. Especially if the death occurred suddenly, casketing can support the bereavement counseling. Often members miss the opportunity to say goodbye ' at rest '; this is enabled by the lying in state. In laying out the open you can see the dead again and say goodbye in peace. If you want this, you can also touch the corpse; This is not harmful.

Some funeral homes also offer the possibility that members help with the washing of the deceased prior to the mortuary. This is also an aid in mourning for some relatives.

The Lying in State can serve the so-called wake, a custom in order to say goodbye to the deceased at the open coffin. As most people have died still at home, vigil in Germany has been practiced in many families.