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Funeral Embalming

By Steve Phillips

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Published: 01Sep2010
Word count: 507
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When caring for the funeral arrangements of a loved one, the decision of funeral embalming arises. It is a common procedure that most people opt for but know that it is not essential. It can be expensive and some people who are going with a closed casket funeral choose not to have the procedure done. Since ancient Egyptian times, man has used oils, herbs and specific body preparation to preserve the body before burial. However, it must be said that no product can preserve the body indefinitely. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission prohibits funeral providers from telling their customers that it can be done via chemicals or a special casket.

While most religions are approving of a body being embalmed, there are several religions that do not approve. For example, Hindus do not prefer that their dead be embalmed, however to accommodate the desire to be buried in their homeland, many have to acquiesce in order to have the bodies shipped home. In addition, Muslims prefer to be buried within 24 hours of death and washed and wrapped by a same sex relative. While the Muslims prefer to be buried without a casket, this is not allowed in most areas of the United States. Finally, the Jewish faith also requests that the body be buried within 24 hours, however if this cannot be accomplished or if the body is being transported somewhere else, embalming will occur.

In today's modern world, there are really just two reasons why a body will be embalmed. Funeral embalming is done to allow time between death and burial to allow an open casket visitation, viewing and funeral and it is done in rare cases where the spread of infection after death needs to be halted. So, what should you keep in mind when you're considering whether or not to have embalming done on your loved one? First of all, it's an unnecessary expense if you're having a direct to burial service or a cremation. While some people do choose to have an open casket prior to an cremation, it's rare. Instead, most display a large photo of the deceased on a table or picture stand. If the body is being transported to another state for burial, it is normally embalmed before it is shipped. The same applies when a body is being shipped overseas. State laws dictate what is done in cases like this, so check with your funeral director.

The bottom line when it comes to funeral embalming is that it is a personal choice of the family. Talk to your family members so that no one feels left out and get a consensus of what everyone wants and needs. If the deceased suffered a long time before death and the illness took it's toll on the body, it may be best to remember the deceased the way they were with a picture instead of an open casket. Remember that whatever you choose to do, it is the family's wishes that are most important or the instructions left behind by the deceased.

Steve Phillips is an author on the subject of funeral embalming, coping with bereavement and dealing with death. He has a degree from the University of Cambridge in England and has wide experience of the challenges facing us in our personal lives. If you need help coping with bereavement his articles can be very supportive.

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