During a visitation or wake, what is typically the main activity?

During a visitation or wake, the primary activity is for family and friends to gather and pay their respects to the deceased. This gathering provides an opportunity for loved ones to support each other, share memories, and reflect on the life of the person who has passed away. It is a meaningful aspect of the grieving process, allowing attendees to express their condolences and to begin to say goodbye.

While other activities such as a multimedia presentation of the deceased's life can supplement the visitation experience, the central focus remains on the community of friends and family coming together to honor the deceased. Immediate cremation, a reading of the will, and other activities mentioned are not typical components of a visitation, making the gathering of loved ones the most significant and defining aspect of this occasion.