Lying in state is the tradition in which a coffin is placed on view to allow the public at large to pay their respects to the deceased. It traditionally takes place in the principal government building of a country or city. While the practice differs among countries, a viewing in a location that is not the principal government building is referred to as lying in repose.
Read more about Lying In State: Canada, North Korea, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City
Famous quotes containing the words lying in, lying and/or state:
“Strange is this alien despotism of Sleep which takes two persons lying in each others arms & separates them leagues, continents, asunder.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)
“Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still!”
—William Wordsworth (17701850)
“Deacon King was tried for violating the Sabbath, and so hot was the debate that it was referred to the church council, which ultimately decided, after long and grave debate, that the deacon had committed a work of necessity and mercy.”
—For the State of Massachusetts, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)