At one time in this country, it was perfectly OK to have your wake at home with the casket in the living room. The grieving family was seated in chairs around the room accepting visitors and condolences.
I recall seeing The Wake in our local theater starring Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows....awesome play. The casket was, of course, in the living room. Very funny play, by the way.
Of course colmes use of the term “play” made it sound creepy - he did that purposely instead of explaining that he didn’t want the baby thrown in the trash like so many liberals would have done.