Lying in state is the tradition in which the body of a deceased official, such as a head of state, is placed in a state building, either outside or inside a coffin, to allow the public to pay their respects. It traditionally takes place in a major government building of a country, state, or city. While the practice differs among countries, in the United States, a viewing in a location other than a government building, such as a church, may be referred to as lying in repose. It is a more formal and public kind of wake or viewing. Lying in state often precedes a state funeral.
Philip IV of France lying in state
Brazilian president Afonso Pena lying in state in the Catete Palace, 1909
President Ronald Reagan lies in state at the United States Capitol rotunda, June 2004
The casket of Rosa Parks at the U.S. Capitol rotunda
Lying in repose is the tradition in which the body of a deceased person, often of high social stature, is made available for public viewing. Lying in repose differs from the more formal honor of lying in state, which is generally held at the principal government building of the deceased person's country and often accompanied by a guard of honour.
Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens lying in repose
Emperor Pedro II of Brazil lying in repose in a room at the Hotel Bedford, Paris, 1891