Being in the funeral industry, we hear many questions asking us why…
Why do we embalm? Why is there a need for a casket? Why flowers are used and why should you have a funeral luncheon? Why do we have funerals anyway or need funeral directors?
In this blog post, we want to bring those frequent questions directly to you with answers from our experts.
Why do we embalm?
There are many reasons why we embalm. One of the most common answers to this question is that it preserves the body for viewing, and slows down the body’s natural decomposition process. It can also be for sanitary or religious reasons.
Embalming best enables the funeral home to ensure the deceased's appearance is peaceful and genuine to their appearance in life. This is especially important for the “viewing” and memorial services. For some bereaved, being able to see their loved one look calm, reposed, and at peace, is an immense comfort and can greatly aid in the grieving process.
Why a casket and not a coffin?
As you may have heard in vampire movies, they use the term “coffin”, a wooden box in an unmistakable shape. In the funeral industry, you will not hear us call it a coffin but rather a “casket”. A casket is a less anthropomorphic shaped vessel than a coffin that was used ages ago as a way to “soften” death.
A casket is meant to hold the remains of the departed. They have a rectangular shape with four sides to them. Rails are placed along the sides of the casket to make it easier to carry and transport while also lowering into the ground for burial. Many caskets can get used for both burials and cremations.
Why are flowers used in funerals?
Historically, before embalming became a common practice, flowers were placed around the deceased to cover up any unwanted odors that might arise as the family paid their final respects. Typically, the funeral would be held and the deceased would be buried within a few days of death, unlike nowaways, where funerals can be 5-7 days or longer after the date of passing. Due to longer holding times in modern funeral practices, embalming is usually recommended/required by law, if a deceased is going to have a service.
Today, the tradition of flowers being displayed at funerals is for other reasons. Aside from being pleasing to the eye, they help facilitate emotional release, as it is frequently very difficult for mourning families to express their grief verbally. For extended family or friends to send flowers is an expression of respect, sympathy, and love to the deceased.
Why do we need funeral directors?
Funeral directors coordinate and manage the whole funeral, so the family is able to mourn as stress-free as possible. The job doesn't start the day of the funeral and stop after the funeral is over; funeral directors spend endless hours behind the scenes managing a deceased’s care from the time of passing, embalming or cremation needs, preparing the deceased for the time of viewing, coordinating all service contacts and memorial or keepsake items, and also assists and advises in such matters as estate documents, Social Security, insurance, death certificates, etc.
Why have a funeral luncheon?
After a funeral, most families host a light luncheon for mourners who attended. Funeral luncheons are usually held at the church, religious venue, funeral home (in some states), family home, or other appropriate locations.
The post-funeral meal has been around as long as civilization has existed as a way for mourners to commune in grief. For example: The Egyptians shared a meal at the tomb following burial, and the Romans built elaborate kitchens in their mausolea complete with a libation pipe to connect the living and the dead where food and drink could be shared.
Any Questions We Missed?
Here at Roupp Funeral Home, we are happy to answer any questions you may have!
We offer a range of personalized services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements. You can count on us to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one, and we’ll carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time. You are welcome to call us at any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance or visit our funeral home in person at your convenience.
To learn more about us and the services we offer, please visit: rouppfuneralhome.com
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