Preparing a deceased loved one for burial is an important part of the grieving process for many families. Understanding how funeral homes dress and prepare bodies can provide comfort and closure.
Washing and Disinfecting the Body
Funeral home staff first wash the body with gentle soap and water. This removes dirt, bodily fluids, and debris. They pay careful attention to the face, hands, feet, and areas visible during viewing. Next, they disinfect the body with specialized germicidal solutions. This protectsagainst the spread of contagious diseases like hepatitis or HIV.
Closing the Eyes and Mouth
Cotton is often used to keep the eyes and mouth closed. Glue or needle injectors may also be used to seal the eyelids. The mouth is held shut with a band placed under the chin and over the head. Dentures are removed if the deceased wore them.
Dressing the Body
The deceased is dressed in the clothing provided by the family or in a funeral home gown. Undergarments are required for absorbency and dignity. Shoes and socks are put on, or slippers if requested by the family. Jewelry like a wedding ring stays on the body. A favorite necklace or rosary beads may be placed in the casket later.
Restoring Natural Appearances
Cosmetics can be applied lightly to restore a natural, lifelike appearance. These include moisturizers, tinted creams, and setting sprays. Padding and clips may be used to reshape sunken facial features. Hairstyling, fingernail polish, and shaving are also offered.
Posing the Body
The body is arranged in a restful, natural position with the head elevated on a pillow and the hands placed over the abdomen or chest. The legs are straightened and tied together at the ankles to maintain posture. Plastic garments and disposable pads are used for added absorbency and leakage protection.
Setting Facial Expressions
Cotton, eyecaps, mouth formers, and glue help set neutral facial expressions. More extensive restorative treatments are available to reconstruct damaged or disfigured features from accidents or trauma.
Embalming
Embalming sanitizes and temporarily preserves the body. The embalmer massages embalming chemicals into the blood vessels to replace blood with preserving fluids. This delays decomposition long enough for viewing and services.
Casketing
The prepared body is arranged in the casket selected by the family. Personal mementos like photos, letters, or flowers can be placed in the casket. The lid is then closed and secured in preparation for the funeral services.
Special Situations
Preparation of a body may require extra steps in some cases:
- Autopsied bodies are reconstructed and have sutures hidden
- Organ and tissue donors have incision sites restored
- Trauma victims have injuries and disfigurement concealed
- Contagious bodies are double-bagged in protective shrouds
Cultural and Religious Accommodations
Funeral homes make every effort to honor cultural preferences:
- Some faiths prohibit autopsies
- Religious garments or hair coverings are used
- Ritual washing or anointing is performed
- Bodies are positioned facing a certain direction
Conclusion
Dressing and preparing bodies for burial is a meticulous, thorough process designed to present a dignified, lifelike appearance. Understanding these practices can provide insight and comfort to grieving families during an exceptionally difficult time. Funeral home staff are professionals dedicated to honoring traditions, beliefs, and closure requests through this important ritual.