I Wonder Why Some People Go To The Lying In State

[Stargazer]

Watching the people going past, some of them appear to be wandering along, neither looking at or acknowledging the coffin. Other cross themselves, bow or nod.

[Peter Pedant]

I think it is very personal and how you look on death ( and dead people)
I thought only RCs crossed themselves - but Champagne Charlie did so ( Earl Spencer)
Some curtsey - (as a courtesy) - however I take that as a genuflection which is not done as she is not a sacrament.

The protestant divines in charge of things, have got over - "one only, service of interment". We are far above that quota already. Ah yes but, they arent funerary or interments ( heavens certainly not a mass) . They are times and or services of reflection ( near a dead body).

I note PM of NZ - curtseyed and wore head covering ( veil)

[MissTerious]

I can't understand walking past a closed coffin. I can understand walking past an open coffin. I have kissed my father in law in an open coffin and found it comforting and emotional. Didn't kings and Queens etc have open coffins while they lay in state.

[Peter Pedant]

Queen V stipulated that her coffin should be closed

The atheist marxist ( hopeless) hacks have finally reached their cake and ha'penny and realised that it is the process and not the kissy-kissy

seven hours to q is worth seventy years of her service

etc

I cant imagine standing in anything for 12 h

[royfromaus]

And some go for the Sajdah

[Barmaid]

We cannot know what is going on in the minds of others. It means something to them, for whatever reason whether it be grief, to pay respects, to be part of history,or a myriad of other reasons.

It is not something I would do (I hate queues). But neither would I attend a relative at rest.

I have been to the viewing of two open coffins. Once by choice and once as a matter of supportive duty. I won't do it again. In my mind the deceased has already left what remains of their physical being. But I absolutely respect what others choose to do as a part of grieving.

[choux]

I understand that, Barmaid. A dear friend of mine died some 20 years ago and I had no desire to see her at rest as I was with her in hospital when she passed. An old lady whom we both knew asked me the day before the funeral to take some flowers on her behalf and put them in her hands. I found that a very difficult task indeed.

[MissTerious]

It's part of the orthodox religion to kiss a close relative goodbye at a funeral so I did it to be respectful to my MIL . I found it quite calming., surprisingly. I hate the thought of people being inside coffins and then shoved underground!!! I have no religious beliefs and agree with you Barmaid.

[choux]

Stargazer, I turned the television on today in time to see an oriental gentleman take his place in front of the catafalque and make 3 very dignified and deep bows to the coffin. He impressed me as someone showing the greatest respect. As you say, others seem more interested in the building itself. Every sort is catered for at such an occasion.

[MissTerious]

I was lucky to be with both parents when they died to say my goodbyes. Personally, I don't want a formal funeral at all or a coffin, but it's up to others. I'll be gone!

[choux]

So was I, Lottie. As relatives go I must have been the fore runner of long covid - difficult for people to shake off and there to the bitter end.

[Smowball]

I could never go to an open coffin - I would find it way way too difficult.

[emmie]

we said our goodbyes to Mr Em at the funeral parlour, i asked if we could see him on last time and so they held the coffin open.

[KittyGlitter]

If I had queued up for hours on end, I would like to think I would make a gesture of some kind rather than just walk past. But I guess you don't know how you will respond until you are there. When I see people cry, it does make me well up!

[emmie]

i too wondered that, going past without a backward glance, one hopes they have considered where they are and the Queens passing, otherwise why queue for so long. I would bow my head as a mark of respect for this very remarkable Queen

[Ken4155]

Wonder what was going through this guy's head?

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/man-arrested-after-allegedly-charging-at-queen-s-coffin-during-lying-in-state/ar-AA11UT3h?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=0bf8ba6e2c2849d79e5e963d7429b568

[emmie]

with all those guards, security he wasn't going to get far. But what went through his head, perhaps nothing, it was a moment of madness.

[Ken4155]

Whatever it was he intended, he queued for hours to do it.

Apparently the queue has now reached it's capacity (24 hours) and folk are being advised not to join it - Radio 2 news just now.

[emmie]

indeed Ken....

[1ozzy]

As do I Stargazer..
Why??

[emmie]

why? its a mark of respect, hundreds of thousands have done it, and more to follow. I would have gone but i am just not fit enough to stand for so long anymore.