Updated: Dec. 4

This week, former President George Bush became the 32nd person to lie in state in the United States Capitol, joining a short list of American leaders to have their coffins displayed at the Rotunda for public viewing. Mr. Bush was the second person this year to lie in state, after Senator John McCain in August.

Dating to 1852, the practice is among the rarest of posthumous tributes for government officials in the United States. As such, the language and customs of the ceremony might be unknown to many.

Here are some of the basics.

[Follow our live briefing for coverage of former President George Bush’s funeral.]

Lying in state, honor and repose: They’re different

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences.

By strict definitions, lying in state is reserved for those who served in the government, and it applies only to the time their coffins are displayed in the Capitol or a government building, either in Washington or at the state level. The ceremony is accompanied by a military guard.