Introduction
Is embalming essential?
What actually happens?
First
SD Funerals does not offer embalming. It is not something we are considering, and for the hundreds of funerals we have conducted, it has not been necessary or desired. I thought I’d clearly outline our position… my bias.
A Brief History
This is a very brief overview of the history… very brief. Most people are aware of the Egyptian mummy embalming. There were others who practiced it – the Meroites, Guanches, Peruvians, Jivaro Indians, Aztecs, Toltecs, Mayans, as well as Tibetan and southern Nigerian tribes. They used a variety of techniques, including honey and wax.
Embalming became more common during the American Civil War as a means of returning the deceased to their families. In previous conflicts, individuals were typically buried where they fell.
As you can see, I just skipped over a few thousand years of history.
Around the World
The United States is perhaps the leader in embalming, as it aligns well with the funeral industry business model. The more services they provide, the more they can earn. In many other countries, primarily due to cultural reasons, there is no embalming. The Muslim, Bahá’í, and Orthodox Jewish faiths consider embalming to be a desecration of the body and prohibit it. Hindus and Buddhists, who opt for cremation, have no need for embalming. Also Jews and Muslims typically bury a person within 24 hours.
What Happens with Embalming?
The basic concept is that the body’s blood is drained and replaced with chemicals (embalming fluids) that slow down decomposition. There are cases where bodies remain “intact” for decades. How do I know this? Google.
All the blood must be removed, and then all the organs are treated with embalming fluid. This usually involves a long metal tube that enters the organs. The process is undeniably intrusive, but it is necessary to perform.
The Results
The fluid that replaces the blood causes the skin to remain taut, and cosmetics are often applied to aid in the final presentation. However, there are often instances where the deceased, regardless of the work done, does not closely resemble the person they were remembered as. Nonetheless, for others, it proves to be a helpful service.
Today
In recent years, many funerals utilized burials and embalming was common. Today, more individuals are choosing not to be embalmed. This can be due to various reasons, with the additional expense of embalming being the most common reason, or simply a dislike of the idea of being filled with chemicals.
In terms of viewing loved ones, we offer this service and find that families often prefer a more natural appearance. The deceased is still their loved one, and death is a natural part of life; in most cases, the individual appears quite peaceful.
Conclusion
Whether to be embalmed is a personal choice. It is definitely an option, and importantly, it is an option that is not necessary. For SDF, our aim is to create a more organic and natural approach to funerals and how families honor their loved ones. We are not in the “business” of funerals, but rather support families in having a funeral that is right for them.