The Science and Art of Embalming
The process of embalming has been around for thousands of years and has been practiced by many ancient cultures, including the Incas of Peru and during the Han Dynasty in China. Most notably, the ancient Egyptians are credited with elevating embalming to its highest form by developing the process of mummification. The Egyptians believed that the preservation of the body in mummy form empowered the soul after death, thus allowing the soul to return to the preserved body.
In our modern culture, embalming is practiced for three reasons: to sanitize the body, to preserve the body, and to present the body. Sanitization eliminates any health hazards to the public. The temporary preservation of the body achieved through the embalming process delays natural decomposition and allows the body to be presented to family and friends for a viewing and/or funeral service.
Modern embalming chemicals contain formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ethanol, humectants, and other additives to achieve the desired goal of sanitation, preservation, and cosmetic presentation. A skilled embalmer mixes the chemicals correctly in order to achieve a natural appearance of the body. The exact ratio required depends largely upon the condition of the body at the time of death. For example, if edema is present, a humectant would not be added into the mixture. An embalmer’s skill level is derived from their experience, education, and their level of care and attention. As with any profession, there are those who are more qualified than others.
At Serenity Funeral Home, we hold ourselves to the highest standard of our profession. When a deceased individual is entrusted to our care, we take our responsibility very seriously. Our funeral professionals have honed their skills and spent many hours training to become the best embalmers possible. We utilize internal cosmetics during the embalming process to achieve a natural appearance of the individual, thus ensuring that a very limited amount of makeup will need to be applied to the face of the deceased prior to the viewing. When a body appears to have “caked on” makeup, it can generally be attributed to an embalmer lacking in skill.
Do you have questions concerning the embalming process? Contact us at (435) 986-2085. Serenity Funeral Home is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SerenityFuneralSTG.
Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director
