Embalming

Embalming is a procedure that makes it possible to temporarily preserve the body of the deceased, partially or completely, for display. It is carried out using various chemical agents that slow down decomposition and disinfect the tissue and, if necessary, allows for the reconstruction and grooming of specific parts so that family and friends can forever cherish the image of their loved one as they remembered them during their lifetime. According to some sources and experts like Jessica Mitford, the possibility of parting from a deceased person who looks exactly as they did before the sad event provides an opportunity to say goodbye in the most appropriate way—which greatly aids in the grieving process.

In some parts of the world, such as the United States, Australia, or New Zealand, embalming is an integral part of the burial process and is legally required before the remains of their citizens who passed away in other countries can be repatriated. It is also essential in cases where a longer period than usual will pass between the moment of death and the burial.

The practice of embalming has a long history, with different cultures treating it differently, most often for religious reasons. The oldest evidence of embalming the dead is nearly 6,000 years old, originating in the Atacama Desert in present-day Chile and Peru, while the skill was perfected by ancient Egypt, where the dead were embalmed for the purpose of mummification. The ancient Egyptians believed that a preserved body helped the soul return to it more easily later on; therefore, embalming was performed by specially trained priests. Similar skills were possessed by the peoples of Tibet, the Mayans, and the indigenous inhabitants of Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Although traces of embalming dating back to 3,000 BC were found in the Spanish city of Osorno, this procedure only came into wide use in Europe during the Roman Empire. Embalming reappeared during the Middle Ages, and during the Renaissance, it became extremely popular thanks to highly educated physicians and scientists like Leonardo da Vinci who practiced it.

Modern methods emerged in the 18th century with the development of chemistry, which enabled the injection of various compounds into the arteries of the deceased to prevent tissue decay. Scottish surgeon William Hunter was the first to use embalming as part of a funeral. Soon, it became a standardized process offered as part of funeral services, especially in cases where the body of the deceased must be displayed. Also, many war heroes who died far from their homes, such as Lord Nelson after the Battle of Trafalgar, were embalmed so they could be buried on their native soil. Since the 19th century, with the emergence of funeral homes, embalming has become a routine procedure used for an increasing number of the deceased. It is interesting to note that before burial, the bodies of Pope St. John XXIII, Pope Pius X, Abraham Lincoln, Vladimir Lenin, Eva Perón, Kemal Atatürk, and Princess Diana of Wales were embalmed.

Most Christians permit embalming, except for some branches of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Jews forbid it as their deceased must be buried within 24 hours of passing; however, it is allowed in exceptional cases, so the final decision on embalming is given by the rabbi of a particular community. Among Muslims, embalming is not practiced because, according to Islam, the body is sacred and should be buried as soon as possible in clean clothes and without a coffin.