Which of the following is a traditional component of a funeral service?

A viewing is considered a traditional component of a funeral service because it provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather in a formal setting to pay their respects to the deceased. This component typically allows attendees to see the deceased, often in an open casket, which helps facilitate the grieving process. It serves as a critical moment for communal support, allowing mourners to express their condolences, share memories, and begin to process their loss collectively.

In contrast, the other options listed represent different customs that, while they may be meaningful in certain contexts, do not align with the typical elements of a traditional funeral service. For instance, a living wake is an event held before death, often to celebrate the person's life while they are still living, and is not part of standard funeral practices. A burial at sea is a specific method of disposition rather than a service element itself, and a pre-funeral party does not conform to traditional funeral services. These alternatives highlight various cultural or personal approaches to mourning but do not embody the conventional framework established by historical funeral practices.