The tradition of open caskets at funerals has emerged in the last 150 years and plays a significant role in the grieving process. According to author Mary Roach in her book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," this practice fulfills critical functions for the bereaved. It serves to confirm to family members that their loved one is undeniably deceased, alleviating any fears of premature burial.

Moreover, the open casket provides reassurance to relatives that the deceased person they are mourning is indeed the individual they knew, rather than someone else, thus offering a closure and a stark reminder of their loss. This practice highlights the blend of emotion and practical concerns surrounding death and how society has adapted its funeral customs over time.