What Is the Purpose of Embalming?

Embalming can be a controversial topic. Some people are opposed to it, whether due to personal or religious reasons, but for others, embalming is an important part of starting their grief journey and getting a chance to say goodbye to the person they love.

For these reasons, embalming is a widespread practice, especially in the cases of open-casket funerals and viewings. What exactly does embalming mean? And what’s the purpose behind its use?

Why Are People Embalmed?

To understand the purpose of embalming, we first need to look at what embalming is. Embalming is the replacement of all bodily fluids with a preservative solution. This solution helps prevent the growth of bacteria and effectively slows the body’s decomposition.

After the body is cleaned and internal fluids are replaced by the solution, what happens next varies according to the wishes of the decedent’s family. Often, the next step is for the decedent to be prepared for a viewing or funeral, such as by being dressed in clothing provided by the family or having makeup put on them to make them look more like they did in life.

Embalming actually serves multiple purposes. Embalming is required in some states in the case of contagious diseases, as embalming plays a vital role in disinfecting the body and keeping others safe from spreading illnesses.

However, the main reason why people choose embalming is to slow the rate of the decedent’s decomposition, which can allow families more time to plan services and to hold funerals days after the loved one’s death. Embalming does not stop decomposition, but it can extend the process. For those who wish to avoid embalming, refrigeration can be another option that also helps to slow the decomposition process.

For many people, when they get one final opportunity to see their loved one before they enter their final resting place, they take comfort in seeing them as they did in life. If a loved one’s features changed before they passed, such as in the case of a long-term illness, embalming can help them return to how they looked before. Seeing a loved one the way you want to remember them is a powerful feeling, one that can help family and friends as they begin their grief journey.

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