What does the “open casket” concept involve?

The "open casket" concept primarily involves displaying the body of the deceased for attendees to view during the visitation. This practice allows family members and friends to say their final goodbyes and to have a tangible connection to the deceased. Open casket viewings are often seen as a way to help with the grieving process, giving mourners an opportunity for closure. The viewing can provide a sense of comfort, as attendees can see their loved one one last time and engage in the rituals of remembrance together.

In this context, having no viewing of the deceased, offering virtual viewing options, or using symbolic representations do not align with the traditional understanding of an open casket. Each of those alternatives caters to different preferences, circumstances, or modern trends in memorialization but would not provide the direct, physical presence of the deceased that an open casket does.