Interesting. Actually like Nora mentioned, Six Feet Under was my first insight into what an embalmer actually does. I think here in the UK it's quite a rare thing because the majority of funerals are closed casket - we don't have that tradition of seeing the body after death.
I'm sort of glad about that. There's something a bit disturbing to me about the way they dress them up, put make-up on them and wheel them out. I think it's better to just remember them how they were when they were alive, not in a taxidermic clown state. Not to detract from what you do, obviously many families want open casket funerals and you clearly get some satisfaction out of it :)
It seems (to me) that an open casket is to give some people relief. Relief that yes, this was that person, just as I've remembered them and always will. Since some of the cadavers used to be sick, a lot of people ignored them during their last periods. Scared to face how withered they've become. Even as far as to say they aren't that someone they knew. But that period is something that shouldn't be avoided in memories of the cadavers because it shows you how hard they've tried. I'm not sure if that makes sense.
Of course - those that request it must have a reason for it. They must want to see the dead body of their loved one and have their family and friends see it too. I totally respect that decision, even if I personally would not make it.
It's just something I find strange and undignified. But that's probably because it's not so much a part of my culture. I wouldn't find any comfort in seeing the dead body of a loved one.
How would you feel if a girl was an...
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Interesting. Actually like Nora mentioned, Six Feet Under was my first insight into what an embalmer actually does. I think here in the UK it's quite a rare thing because the majority of funerals are closed casket - we don't have that tradition of seeing the body after death.
I'm sort of glad about that. There's something a bit disturbing to me about the way they dress them up, put make-up on them and wheel them out. I think it's better to just remember them how they were when they were alive, not in a taxidermic clown state. Not to detract from what you do, obviously many families want open casket funerals and you clearly get some satisfaction out of it :)
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It seems (to me) that an open casket is to give some people relief. Relief that yes, this was that person, just as I've remembered them and always will. Since some of the cadavers used to be sick, a lot of people ignored them during their last periods. Scared to face how withered they've become. Even as far as to say they aren't that someone they knew. But that period is something that shouldn't be avoided in memories of the cadavers because it shows you how hard they've tried. I'm not sure if that makes sense.
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Of course - those that request it must have a reason for it. They must want to see the dead body of their loved one and have their family and friends see it too. I totally respect that decision, even if I personally would not make it.
It's just something I find strange and undignified. But that's probably because it's not so much a part of my culture. I wouldn't find any comfort in seeing the dead body of a loved one.