Dark Vocations 5 – Embalmers
Embalming is a procedure used to preserve a deceased body by slowing down the effects of natural deterioration. It involves replacing the body’s natural fluids with a solution that helps maintain the person’s appearance and can even mitigate the effects of disease or other causes of death.
As you might imagine, it takes a certain kind of person to fulfil this role, someone with a strong desire to help the bereaved and to honour the deceased, all while maintaining a strong stomach. It is not a job to be taken lightly and requires much professional training to be performed well.
Here are some key points about embalming:
1. Purpose of Embalming:
– Embalming helps achieve a natural and comforting lasting image of your loved one.
– It is not required by law unless your loved one needs to be sent abroad for the funeral.
– People choose embalming because it restores the person’s appearance as much as possible, providing comfort and closure for family members.
– It dramatically slows down natural deterioration after death, which is especially useful if the funeral isn’t immediate.
2. The Process:
– The solution typically contains formaldehyde, natural oils, colorants, and water.
– This process helps preserve, sanitize, and improve the appearance of the deceased person.
3. Duration:
– Embalming can take between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the techniques used.
4. Funeral Arrangements:
– Families can still visit their loved one in the chapel of rest even if they haven’t been embalmed.
– However, embalming only delays natural deterioration, it does not stop it, so visiting soon after death is advisable.
– Embalming doesn’t affect cremation; those who are embalmed can still be cremated safely.
– In some cases, embalmers assist with various funeral arrangements.
– They co-ordinate with funeral homes, work closely with funeral directors, and provide support to grieving families.
– Embalmers may also help prepare the body for transportation or burial, ensuring all necessary permits and paperwork are in order.
5. Religious Considerations:
– Some faiths do not allow embalming due to religious beliefs.
– A funeral director can check whether embalming aligns with a particular person’s faith.
Let’s explore their duties and responsibilities in more detail.
An embalmer specialises in the preservation and preparation of deceased bodies. Their primary objective is to temporarily delay the decomposition process and restore a more natural and lifelike appearance to the deceased.
Duties and Responsibilities of The Embalmer
1. Embalming Procedures:
– Embalmers are responsible for conducting the embalming process itself. This involves:
– Cleaning and sanitising the body.
– Removing bodily fluids.
– Replacing them with embalming fluids to slow down decomposition and preserve the tissues.
2. Restoration and Cosmetics:
– Embalmers use their skills and training in cosmetic techniques to restore a natural appearance to the body.
– They may apply makeup, style hair, and position the body in a lifelike manner.
– This helps present a peaceful and comforting image for viewing by family and friends.
3. Sanitation and Hygiene:
– Ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene standards is crucial.
– Embalmers adhere to strict protocols to minimise the risk of infection throughout the embalming process.
4. Documentation and Record-Keeping:
– Details include chemicals used, techniques applied, and any observations related to the body.
– These records are essential for legal and regulatory purposes.
5. Involvement with the Funeral Arrangements:
– In some cases, embalmers assist with various funeral arrangements.
– They co-ordinate with funeral homes, work closely with funeral directors, and provide support to grieving families.
– Embalmers may also help prepare the body for transportation or burial, ensuring all necessary permits and paperwork are in order.
6. Continuing Education:
The History of Embalming,
The treatment of a dead body to sterilise it or protect it from decay, has a long history that spans different cultures and time periods. Let’s explore how embalming has evolved through history:
1. Ancient Egypt:
– Early practices involved wrapping the dead in cloth and burying them in charcoal and sand, beyond the reach of the Nile waters. These naturally preserved mummies retained their form and features for extended periods.
– The preservation of mummies influenced religious beliefs. Egyptians believed in immortality and physical resurrection. They thought that when all elements present in life (soul, name, shadow, heart, and body) were reunited, the person would be resurrected.
– Skilled embalmers took great care to preserve bodies because they needed to be attractive enough to lure back the soul and other elements.
2. Other Cultures:
– Beyond Egypt, various cultures practiced preservation techniques:
– Chinchorro Culture (Chile and Peru): Evidence of artificial mummification dates back to 5,000-6,000 BC.
– Aztecs, Mayans, Ethiopians, and Tibetans: These cultures also practiced embalming and mummification.
– China: The body of Xin Zhui, a noblewoman who died around 160 BC, showed evidence of expert embalming.
– Europe: From the Middle Ages onwards, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism had no strong spiritual attachment to preserving bodies after death. However, interest in embalming grew steadily from a scientific perspective during the Renaissance.
3. Modern Embalming:
– Dr. Thomas Holmes is often credited with modern embalming techniques. It gained popularity during the American Civil War.
– Advancements in processes, instruments, chemicals, and education occurred during the last quarter of the 19th century.
In summary, while ancient Egyptians perfected mummification for religious reasons, modern embalming emerged as a practical necessity during times of war and scientific progress.
The art of embalming, while gruesome to most, continues to evolve as we find new ways to honour and care for our departed loved ones. This means the hard work of a skilled embalmer makes our loss a little more sufferable and should not be taken for granted.
© Colin Lawson Books