There are a few reasons why funeral directors cover the face before closing the casket at funerals:
To Give Privacy and Dignity
Covering the face is seen as giving privacy and dignity to the deceased. Once the casket is closed, it is generally not reopened. So covering the face is a symbolic final act of protecting the privacy of the deceased and showing respect.
Having an open casket funeral is a tradition in many cultures, allowing friends and family to say goodbye. But the funeral directors cover the face before closing the casket as a final moment of modesty and discretion for the deceased.
To Help Mourners’ Grief Process
Viewing an open casket can be part of accepting death and beginning the grief process for mourners. However, the uncovered face of the deceased may look quite different from in life. Features may be sunken, expressionless, or distorted.
Covering the face returns some anonymity and allows mourners to remember their loved one as they were in life. It can be less traumatic than seeing the realities of death on the face of the deceased.
For Physical Protection
Covering the face physically protects the features of the deceased. Once the casket is closed, the body will begin decomposing. So covering the face helps preserve the appearance for future potential viewings.
It also protects the face from any damage during transportation and burial. A veil or handkerchief draped over the face ensures no harm comes to the features after the casket is closed.
To Absorb Leaking Bodily Fluids
Unfortunately, some natural bodily fluids may leak from the face of the corpse over time. Tissues and absorbent fabric covering the face will help protect the inside of the casket from stains.
The face is also often covered with cosmetic creams that can melt. Covering the face prevents fluids from ruining the appearance of the deceased or soiling the casket lining.
For Sanitary Reasons
Covering the face creates a protective barrier to prevent the potential spread of diseases. While the deceased is typically embalmed thoroughly, mourners often touch or kiss the hands or face of the deceased at an open casket funeral.
Covering the face minimizes the risk of transferring any bacteria or viruses, especially if the person died from an infectious disease. It keeps mourners safe when paying their final respects up close.
To Follow Religious Customs
Some religions have customary traditions around covering the face of the deceased that funeral directors will honor. For instance, in Judaism, the chin is bound closed, and the face covered with a light cloth.
In Islam, the face is typically covered with a veil, and the head wrapped with a turban or scarf. Hindus often cover the face with sandalwood paste and roses. So face covering accommodates religious rituals.
When the Face is Disfigured
If the deceased’s face is damaged from an accident or injury, covering is necessary. Cosmetics and reconstructive efforts may help if there is time. But covering the face is typically required if the appearance would be upsetting to mourners.
Covering also allows the focus to be on honoring the life vs. the disturbing remains. The covering creates a blank canvas for mourners to project their memories upon.
To Follow the Family’s Wishes
Ultimately, the family decides if they want their loved one’s face covered or visible when closing the casket. Funeral directors will always comply with the family’s wishes around face covering.
Some may request leaving the face uncovered for a final open casket viewing just before burial. Others may ask that covering be done discreetly prior to the public viewing. Funeral directors work closely with families to honor their preferences.
Conclusion
Covering the face of the deceased before closing the casket is a symbolic final act of protection and respect. For mourners, not seeing the face offers comfort and allows them to remember their loved one alive. And for the deceased, it preserves dignity and modesty as they make their final journey.
The tradition crosses cultures, religions, and eras as a way to honor both the living and the dead at the end of life. So funeral directors are very accustomed to preparing the face covering at the right moment. They ensure this poignant ritual is handled with sensitivity, care, and according to the family’s wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do they put coins on the eyes of the deceased?
Placing coins on the eyes of the deceased is an ancient Greek tradition called Charon’s obol. As per Greek mythology, the soul after death crossed the River Styx on Charon’s boat to enter the underworld. The coins were meant to pay the fare to Charon, the ferryman.
While no longer believed to be needed to pay Charon, coins on the eyes persist as a symbolic ritual in some Greek and other cultures. The coins represent paying respect to the deceased for their journey to the afterlife.
Do they sew the mouth shut after death?
The mouth is not sewn shut after death routinely. However, in some cases, the mortician may thread the jaw closed loosely to keep it from gaping open unnaturally. This is done for an open casket funeral to give a peaceful repose appearance.
Stitching the mouth completely shut was historically done for transportation of a body back when embalming was not possible. But today, with modern embalming, sewing the mouth is unnecessary and not commonly practiced.
What is the white sheet over the body?
The white sheet draped over the body in a casket has several traditional meanings:
- It evokes the religious image of being shrouded in a burial cloth, as Jesus was according to the Bible.
- The pallor represents the purity of the soul.
- White sheets covered the furniture in homes with a body awaiting burial, symbolic of death’s presence.
- It offers a blank, neutral visual background for mourners without distraction.
The white shroud-like cloth provides a visual focal point while also allowing room for mourners’ spiritual imaginations and memories of the deceased.
Why do they drain the blood when embalming?
Draining the blood is an essential step in embalming the dead. Blood decomposes rapidly compared to other tissues, so it must be replaced to preserve the body temporarily.
Embalming fluid cannot penetrate tissues filled with coagulated blood. So vascular tubes are inserted to drain blood from veins and replace it with embalming fluid.
This process clears the circulatory system, halts decomposition, and allows the embalming chemicals to effectively preserve and disinfect the body tissues.
Is the coffin really airtight?
Coffins and caskets are generally designed to be airtight when sealed for burial. This serves several purposes:
- Prevents dirt and debris from entering
- Keeps out air which accelerates decomposition
- Seals in the disinfectant embalming fluids
- Protects the remains from external moisture
- Maintains the tidy appearance for viewing
High-quality caskets have a rubber gasket seal around the lid perimeter. Some may have additional sealing at joints and latches. The airtight construction helps maximize preservation of the remains.
Why do they put shoes on the dead?
Shoes on the deceased serve symbolic and practical purposes:
- Shoes represent being properly dressed for the journey to the afterlife
- They provide protection and comfort for the departed
- Give a lifelike appearance for an open casket viewing
- Hold the feet together neatly when rigor mortis has passed
- Cover up discoloration or graphic injuries on the feet
The shoes are typically selected to match the outfit and give a dignified, complete look. Placing shoes is part of preparing the body for a peaceful, presentable viewing.
Common Funeral Rituals Around Face Covering
| Religion/Culture | Face Covering Ritual |
|---|---|
| Christianity | Veil or cloth draped modestly over face |
| Judaism | Light shroud over face, chin bound closed |
| Islam | Face covered with white cloth |
| Hinduism | Face coated with sandalwood paste and roses |
| Buddhism | Face uncovered to promote letting go of earthly attachments |
| Shinto | White kerchief folded over face |
As we can see, face covering or uncovering holds symbolic meaning in many cultures and faiths related to preparing the dead for their journey. Funeral directors aim to facilitate appropriate rituals according to families’ beliefs and wishes.
Typical Steps for Covering the Face
Funeral directors follow certain steps to gracefully cover the deceased’s face before closing the casket, typically:
- Ask the family if they want the face covered and when.
- Select a suitable covering such as a veil, cloth, or handkerchief.
- Drape the fabric over the face aligning with hairline and chin.
- Check that covering lies flat and even.
- Leave covering loose enough for glimpses of features.
- Fold hands over chest, fix hair, close eyelids if needed.
- Give family a last look if desired.
- Close the casket lid or lower the veil completely.
With care and empathy, they make this symbolic gesture dignified and meaningful for grieving families.
Coverings Used
Some typical face coverings funeral directors use are:
- Veil – A lightweight, translucent fabric that lays gently over features. It can be left open for viewing or lowered shut.
- Handkerchief – A small, folded cloth placed on the face. Cotton, linen or silk are common materials.
- Shroud – A larger cloth covering the entire body, with the face covered discreetly beneath it.
- Special requests – Family heirlooms or religious items may be used if requested.
The covering material and style chosen depends on family preferences, customs, and the funeral home’s typical practices.
Cultural Variations
Face covering rituals vary across cultures:
- In Judaism, the chin is bound closed and face covered with a light cloth.
- Hindus coat the face in sandalwood paste and roses.
- The Amish use a white cloth tied under the chin to cover the face.
- Muslims wrap the head with a turban or scarf, leaving the face visible.
- Some Native American tribes cover the face with a mask or animal hide.
Funeral directors research and honor the traditional face covering customs of the family’s culture.
Why Uncover the Face?
While most funerals involve covering the face at closing, some families opt to leave it uncovered. Reasons may include:
- Not customary in their culture/religion
- Wanting to see their loved one’s face for as long as possible
- belief that covering is an unneeded barrier to the departing soul
- Concern covering could cause disfigurement
- Desire to inspect the body before cremation
If the family prefers the face remain visible, funeral directors follow their wishes and do not add any coverings.
What is Cremation Facial Covering?
For a cremation, plastic facial covering masks are often used instead of cloth. Reason include:
- Plastic protects features from distortion in cremation heat.
- It keeps facial tissues together and intact.
- Allows viewing if cremation is after the service.
- Seals out bodily fluids leakage while awaiting cremation.
The plastic mask ensures the face remains undamaged through transportation and cremation.
Religious Exemptions
Some religious traditions exempt the face from covering:
- Buddhism – Face is uncovered to represent non-attachment to the body.
- Sikhism – Face remains uncovered to be visible to God.
- Amish – A men’s beard may be left visible as a sign of maturity.
Funeral directors are careful to follow religious customs around facial covering if requested by the family.
How to Request No Face Covering
If you do not want your loved one’s face covered, you can:
- Inform your funeral director of your preference.
- Reiterate your wishes on forms and paperwork.
- Gently remove any coverings added before viewing times.
- Write your request into the will/estate plan for clarity.
Your funeral home will almost always honor your wishes around face covering if made clear in advance.
Why Cover the Face Before Cremation?
The face is covered before cremation to:
- Protect facial skin and features from damage by extreme heat.
- Absorb bodily fluids leakage during temporary storage.
- Provide a presentable appearance for viewing if requested.
- Show respect and dignity even though features will be destroyed.
The covering preserves the face temporarily and creates privacy during transfer into the cremation chamber.
Is Face Covering Required?
There is no law or requirement that the deceased’s face must be covered during funeral proceedings. Covering is simply a widespread custom but optional.
Families may request the face remain uncovered for certain cultural or personal reasons. Funeral directors will always comply with the family’s preferences regarding face covering.
In some jurisdictions, face covering may be advised to prevent spread of contagious diseases. But otherwise, the choice around covering is fully flexible.
Conclusion
Covering the face of the deceased before closing the casket is a time-honored tradition across many cultures. For mourners, not seeing the face offers comfort and perspective. For the departed, it provides final dignity and privacy.
There are also practical reasons for the face covering, such as protecting the features or absorbing bodily fluids. And it allows the bereaved to remember their loved one as vibrant and alive.
Yet the ritual remains completely optional. Families may choose to leave the face visible according to certain religious beliefs or personal preferences. Funeral directors aim to facilitate the appropriate face covering or uncovering customs for each family.
With sensitivity and care, this poignant final ritual can bring closure and meaning for all involved at the funeral service.