Embalming
Embalming, an essential service
provided by funeral directors, is frequently misunderstood. Many
people associate embalming with ancient and primitive cultural
practices and have misgivings about its relevance, value and
purpose today.
It enables everyone connected with the funeral - family, friends
and professionals - to take part in rituals with no unpleasantness
or embarrassment and without risk to their health, what ever the
cause of death.
Without embalming, nature begins to take its course very soon
after death.
Embalming has three main purposes:
- Sanitation - The body becomes safe for
handling and viewing when micro-organisms are made harmless.
- Preservation - Embalming allows adequate time
for relatives and friends to grieve and say goodbye. It enables the
person who has died to be taken home or to a marae. It ensures that
there will be no problems of odour or deterioration.
- Presentation - Embalming restores the person's
natural appearance, giving mourners a much better memory picture.
This brings a sense of relief and comfort and helps peace of
mind.
What does embalming involve?
Modern embalming is a careful scientific procedure performed by
skilled personnel. Facial features are posed pleasantly and
naturally. Disinfecting and preserving fluids are distributed
through the body's arterial system. Preparation also includes
washing, dressing, hairdressing and restoration of natural skin
colour.