2007-02-17 10:24:26 · 7 answers · asked by Michelle 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I remember seeing my grandfather many years ago and thinking how he didn't look real. Almost like a doll and I think hios lips were sewn together. I guess thats from the embalming?
2007-02-17 10:30:24 · update #1
In most places a body that is not embalmed must be buried within 24 hours of death. Some sects of Judaism and Islam do not embalm dead bodies.
If you have an open casket viewing, the body is embalmed. The reason a body might look "fake" is because during the embalming process all of the blood is drained from the body and is replaced by embalming fluid. When this happens, much of the natural coloring also disappears as well, and the funeral director has to put make-up on the body to give it coloring. The eyes and mouths are also sewen together.
Embalming bodies dates back to Anciet Egypt--think mummies and so on. Various forms of embalming like drying the body with salts and minerals, or using chemicals have been used over the centuries.
2007-02-17 10:40:25 · answer #1 · answered by East of Eden 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, contrary to many of these incorrect answers, embalming is NOT required by ANY state law. Embalming is 100% optional by the family, although in order to have a piblic viewing, embalming may be required. So all of these answers saying it is a law are 100% incorrect. You can look it up on the Federal Trade Commission website, it will specifically say it is NOT required by law. But to have a public viewing, yes, the bodies are embalmed.
Also- it was incorrectly stated that the eyes and mouth are sewn shut, also not true. They are glued, not sewn.
Take care!
2007-02-17 12:04:10 · answer #2 · answered by Reagan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Most bodies are embalmed unless their religion (such as Judaism) forbids it.
Embalming preserves the body to prevent it from smelling and bloating, so that makes it more pleasant for those paying their last respects.
Embalming was first used during WW!!, when they needed to keep the bodies of soldiers from decaying in the journey home for the funeral.
I hope this helps!
2007-02-17 10:30:54 · answer #3 · answered by TiGeR 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My girlfriend lived on top of a mortuary because her Dad was a mortician...anyway...by LAW a body to be viewed has to be embalmed...HAVE YOU EVER SMELT A DEAD BODY??? you do not want to...the decay smell is horendous!!! it is truly awful...we decay right away..our soul has left...so yes, yes, and yes the body has to be embalmed if VIEWED...
2007-02-17 10:32:37 · answer #4 · answered by sweet 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was bombed once when I viewed a body.
2007-02-17 11:54:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's law that bodies MUST be enbalmed in most, if not all places now.
2007-02-17 10:28:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yep! Otherwise they'd be stinkin' up the joint.
2007-02-17 10:28:11 · answer #7 · answered by Munya Says: DUH! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋