What is an important characteristic of a charnel house?

A charnel house is specifically designed for the storage of skeletal remains, often those that have been disinterred or are awaiting reburial. This characteristic stems from its purpose in the management of human remains that may not be immediately buried, especially in cultures or traditions where such practices were common. Charnel houses serve as a designated space to respectfully house remains, typically in a way that acknowledges the deceased while facilitating burial practices.

The other options describe functions associated with different settings in the realm of funeral service but do not accurately represent the primary function of a charnel house. A funeral home is a facility where comprehensive funeral services are conducted, including preparation of the body and conducting memorials. The display of bodies for viewings is closely associated with funeral homes and not the specific function of a charnel house. Locations for public mourning generally refer to places like memorial parks or dedicated areas in churches or community centers, rather than the specific storage focus of charnel houses.