Expert: Ralph Salier - 11/17/2007

Question
in the movies, when someone dies, there is someone nearby that puts a coat or blanket over their face and chest. Or they pull the sheet up to cover the head. What is the meaning of this? Does this happen in real life?

Answer
Hi Jim,  Yes this happens in real life as well, at least as soon as practical. This is so that others looking on, do not see any grusome sights and perhaps get sick at the scene which would complicate the forensics.  But also it is a way to protect the dead from the "looky looes", who get some kind of sick thrill out of seeing dead people.   Of course the dead person does not care, but the living do.

In most cultures this is done, but not all.  Some, even venerate the dead and place them on display for a time before burial.