If you’re arranging a funeral for someone who recently died, you could be considering embalming. Embalming preserves a body for display. It slows down the decomposition process so that family members can say goodbye. While it may not be appropriate for every situation, embalming can be helpful for funerals or memorial services held several days after someone has passed away. This guide is a brief description of the process, if you’re looking for more tailored advice, we suggest contacting the experts at Middleton Funeral Services.
How does embalming work?
Fluid made from water-based liquids replaces blood and other bodily fluids with preservatives, extending the time that bodies are preserved. The high amount of formaldehyde inhibits bacterial development and fungal growth that cause decomposition. In previous eras, arsenic was utilized rather than formaldehyde; now, formaldehyde gas is injected into the body’s circulatory system to keep preservation levels in all cells at their peak after the blood begins to clear.
What does it do?
The practise of delaying the natural effects of death is known as embalming. This is done by introducing skilled embalming chemicals into a person’s body after they have died, allowing them to appear more serene.
Why is it important?
It’s a worldwide funeral custom that keeps the body of a loved one intact. This is a popular choice for open-casket funerals or if family members want to spend more time with their loved one following the death.
Embalming is an option for individuals who have an open casket funeral and do not wish to be buried in a cemetery. Furthermore, there are several reasons why people choose embalming:
- It’s possible that the deceased requested it before they died, maybe as part of a prepaid funeral plan.
- It may assist in restoring the person’s appearance and providing them with a natural expression, which can be soothing for grieving family members.
- If the body must be returned home
It is forbidden in certain religions, such as Islam, which beliefs in the bodily resurrection of the corpse after death.
How long does it take?
The job requires about two hours to complete, which includes washing and drying the hair and body of the person who has died. To relax muscular and joint tissues contracted by rigour Mortis, the embalmed corpse is gently massaged.
How long does it last?
Embalming does not make death irreversible; instead, it merely delays the natural process of dying. The body will generally be preserved for around a week following embalming, but condition and temperature conditions may alter this.
Is it possible to inter a person in the ground without having him or her embalmed?
Burial does not have to be embalmed. Because the chemicals used to preserve the body are harmful to the environment, it is unlawful for a natural or environmentally friendly funeral to be held.
Is it necessary to embalm a body before cremation?
No, unless the deceased’s family decides otherwise.
Is it possible to view a body without having it embalmed?
Yes, but you may only view your loved one for a little longer. If you don’t want to embalm your loved ones, our funeral homes can prepare them for a viewing – wash their hair and body, dress them, and set their features to a natural expression – if you like.
Is embalming required by law in your state?
There is usually no legal obligation to embalm a body in most cases. The primary exceptions are if your loved one needs to be transported overseas for the funeral (repatriation) or has died of an infectious disease.
In the United Kingdom, how much does embalming cost?
The price of a hearse will depend on the funeral director you select, as well as the labour needed. To get a quote, why not contact Middleton Funeral Services today?
