Funeral homes are an essential part of the death care industry, playing a crucial role in preparing the deceased for their final journey. Funeral directors and mortuary cosmetologists work tirelessly behind closed doors to ensure that the body is presented in a dignified and respectful manner, helping families to say goodbye to their loved ones with the utmost care and compassion.
The process of preparing a body for burial or cremation involves a complex mix of fluids, cleaning, dressing, and setting the facial features in a dignified expression. While the specifics of the process may vary depending on religious and cultural traditions, funeral homes strive to provide comfort and support to families during this difficult time.
In this article, we will delve into the secrets of funeral home preparations, exploring the intricacies of the embalming process, the clothing and appearance details, and the traditional pose for an open casket funeral.
Funeral Home Responsibilities
Amid the complex mix of fluids involved in the embalming process, funeral homes also have the responsibility of dressing the deceased in formal attire, cleaning and drying the body, and potentially harvesting donated organs before sending the body to the morgue.
Funeral preparations include outfitting the deceased in burial clothing, which typically consists of formal attire from the deceased’s wardrobe. This must include underwear, socks/stockings, pants/skirt, undershirt/bra, shirt, shoes, jacket, and any jewelry and accessories. Most natural or synthetic fabric clothing is suitable for cremation and burial, but treated leather, rubber-soled shoes, glasses, and jewelry must be removed before cremation.
Casket options range from full-couch caskets to half-couch caskets. The traditional pose for an open casket funeral is with the head tilted slightly forward and the hands resting on the abdomen.
Embalming involves setting the facial features in a dignified expression, with special body lifts used to move the deceased into their casket or coffin. Autopsies have decreased drastically since 1970, and organ donation rarely impacts the appearance of the dead at the funeral.
Funeral workers remove rented clothing before burial, and families have lost deposits after renting formal clothing for their loved ones’ funerals from other retailers.
Embalming and Dressing Process
The process of embalming involves preserving the deceased’s body with a complex mixture of fluids. This process not only involves preserving the body but also replacing abdominal organs and donated bones. The facial features are also set in a dignified expression. The body is thoroughly cleaned and dried before the embalming process begins. Embalming techniques have advanced over the years, and today, it can preserve a body for decades or even centuries after burial.
Cultural differences can play a significant role in funeral preparations. Funeral homes must take into account the preferences and traditions of the deceased and their family. For example, some cultures prefer a closed casket funeral, while others prefer an open casket funeral. Mortuary cosmetologists must consult with the family on the proper hairstyle for the deceased, as cultural hairstyles can vary.
Funeral homes must be sensitive to cultural differences and ensure that the funeral preparations are respectful and appropriate for the deceased and their family.
Clothing and Appearance Details
Regarding clothing and appearance, funeral homes typically dress the deceased in formal attire from the deceased’s wardrobe. This attire must include underwear, socks/stockings, pants/skirt, undershirt/bra, shirt, shoes, jacket, and any jewelry and accessories. Most natural or synthetic fabric clothing is suitable for cremation and burial, however, treated leather, rubber-soled shoes, glasses, and jewelry must be removed before cremation. Rental clothing options are available if the family cannot provide adequate clothing.
In terms of appearance, mortuary cosmetologists do the hair and makeup of the deceased to make them look lifelike and healthy. Postmortem makeup is available to fill the niche of minor chemical differences between living and embalmed skin. The goal is to make the deceased look dignified and peaceful. Families may also consult with the funeral home on the proper hairstyle for their loved one. It’s important to note that funeral workers remove rented clothing before burial and the deceased is buried in a half-couch casket. Footwear isn’t required for most open casket funerals and burials.
