ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Chapelle ardente

A chapelle ardente is a special place where people can go to say goodbye to someone who has died. It is usually set up in a funeral home or a church.

When someone dies, their body is usually placed in a special box called a casket or a coffin. The chapelle ardente is like a special room where the casket is placed so that friends and family can come and see the person who has died one last time.

Inside the chapelle ardente, there are often flowers, candles, and pictures of the person who has passed away. The casket is usually open so that people can see the person's face. Sometimes, the person's body might be dressed in nice clothes or even a special uniform, like if they were in the military.

When people come to the chapelle ardente, they might bring flowers or cards to leave near the casket. They might also say a prayer or quietly talk to the person who has passed away. People might cry or hug each other to comfort one another during this sad time.

The chapelle ardente helps people say their final goodbye to the person who has died and gives them a chance to remember and honor their life. It is a place where people can come together to grieve and support each other.