What are the main differences between these terms - wake, visitation, reception (with regard to funeral) ?
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If there is a wake, a reception, or a visitation with the deceased family, a gentleman arrives on time and waits quietly in the receiving line.
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Somewhere I found that "visitation" = the same as "wake" - the mourners gather in the home of the deceased person before the funeral, and the coffin with the deceased person is present in the room. But then why are they mentioned here in this sentence as two different things?
I understand that "reception" in this context might be a gathering AFTER the funeral?
And does "the receiving line" mean that those who have come are queuing up to offer their condolences to the family?

They are all pretty much synonymous, although a reception can take place after the funeral. The line is made up of family, generally then leading to the casket.

Thank you!

Also, a funeral tends to be more formal, with a ceremony, where you sit and listen to one person talking about the deceased...or several people, but taking turns.

Whereas visitations and viewings ( I have never been to a wake, so I can't comment on that) are more laid back, with several people all visiting at once. Its less structured.

Receiving lines I have been involved with, are non-family who wait their turn to visit the deceased in the coffin, offer prayers, meditate etc.... and then they move on to offer sympathy to the family.

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Receiving lines I have been involved with, are non-family who wait their turn to visit the deceased in the coffin, offer prayers, meditate etc.... and then they move on to offer sympathy to the family.

I think much depends on where you are in the country and the wishes of the family. I have seen the family line up on the foot-side of the coffin, guests pay their respects and move to the body. In some cases the family wanders around and greets people instead.

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Originally posted by juanruiz:

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Receiving lines I have been involved with, are non-family who wait their turn to visit the deceased in the coffin, offer prayers, meditate etc.... and then they move on to offer sympathy to the family.

I think much depends on where you are in the country and the wishes of the family. I have seen the family line up on the foot-side of the coffin, guests pay their respects and move to the body. In some cases the family wanders around and greets people instead.

This is very true. It is mostly a tradition. And thats how it usually works here.

Aha, thank you all!