Do they break your legs to put you in a casket? This is a disturbing question that has been there for centuries. When most people think about the process of embalming, they imagine someone breaking their legs so that they can fit into a small casket. However, this is not the case! The purpose of embalming is to preserve the body after death, and it is done through a variety of methods depending on the needs of the individual. This blog post will discuss what embalming is and how it works. We will also dispel some common myths about this process!
Do They Break Your Legs To Put You In A Casket?
No, they do not cut or break the legs. That is outside the definition of embalming; doing it without very explicit written permission would be a crime. There are many myths about what goes on during and after death, but rest assured that your funeral director will treat you with respect and dignity.
While it may seem like a morbid topic, it’s a valid question. There are a few reasons why breaking bones might be necessary to fit someone into a casket.
First, most caskets are designed for people who are approximately six feet tall. If someone is more elevated than that, their legs might need to be bent to fit into the casket.
Second, if someone has passed away due to an accident or illness that caused their body to swell, their limbs might need to be manipulated to fit them into the casket.
Finally, if a person has passed away due to rigor mortis sets in, their muscles and joints might be stiff and difficult to move. In cases like these, breaking the bones might be the only way to get the person into the casket. While it’s not a pleasant thought, it’s important to remember that funeral directors are professionals who are trained to handle these situations with compassion and respect.
What Is Embalming?
Embalming is the art and science of preserving human remains by treating them so that decomposition is slowed down and the body can be kept for an extended period. The most common use for embalming is funeral homes, where bodies are prepared for viewing or burial.
Embalming generally involves the injection of chemicals into the body cavity, which replaces the blood and bodily fluids with a preservative solution. This solution helps to prevent decomposition and bacteria growth and also gives the body a more lifelike appearance. In some cases, additional steps may be taken to restore the body to its original appearances, such as cosmetology or reconstructive surgery.
While embalming is primarily used for aesthetic purposes, it can also be used to prevent the spread of disease. In cases where a body may be infected with an infectious disease, embalming can help to prevent the disease from spreading to others.
For this reason, embalming is often required by law in cases of death due to contagious disease. While embalming delays decomposition and provides protection against infection, it does not stop decomposition altogether. Eventually, all bodies will decay, no matter how well they are preserved.
How Does Embalming Work?
Embalming can be traced back to ancient times, and the mummification process used by the Egyptians is a well-known example of early embalming methods. Today, embalming is most commonly performed in cases where the body will be on public display, such as at a funeral or wake.
The process begins with the removal of all blood from the body. This is done by draining the blood vessels and replacing them with a preservative solution. Next, the internal organs are removed and treated with preservative chemicals. The body is then filled with additional preservative fluids and gas, which helps to delay decomposition.
Finally, the body is prepared for display by dressing and grooming it. Embalming is a complex process, but it can help create a dignified and respectful setting for saying goodbye to a loved one.
Common Myths About Embalming
Embalming is a process that has been used for centuries to preserve the bodies of the dead. However, in recent years, there has been a significant amount of misinformation surrounding this practice. Here are some common myths about embalming:
Myth 1: Embalming is required by law.
In most cases, embalming is not required by law. There are a few exceptions, such as when a body needs to be transported across state lines, but embalming is generally not legally mandated.
Myth 2: Embalming prevents decomposition.
Embalming does not prevent decomposition. Instead, it slows down the process by replacing bodily fluids with synthetic chemicals. The body will eventually decompose, even if it has been embalmed.
Myth 3: Embalmed bodies look lifelike.
While embalmed bodies often look better than un-embalmed bodies, they still do not look completely lifelike. Embalmers strive to give the body a natural appearance, but in many cases, the result is still noticeably different from a living person.
Myth 4: Embalming is expensive.
Embalming can be expensive, but they are not always. The cost of embalming depends on several factors, such as the type of service and the location. In some cases, funeral homes will include the price of embalming in their overall funeral package.
FAQs
Q: How Long Does Embalming Last?
A: The length of time that embalming lasts depends on several factors, such as the type of chemicals used and the conditions under which the body is stored. In general, however, embalming can last for several years.
Q: Is Embalming Dangerous?
A: Embalming is not generally considered to be dangerous. However, there are some risks associated with the process, such as exposure to harmful chemicals. Funeral directors and embalmers take precautions to minimize these risks.
Q: Do All Funerals Include Embalming?
A: No, not all funerals include embalming. In some cases, such as when a body is to be cremated, embalming is not necessary.
Q: Can You Embalm a Body Yourself?
A: While it is technically possible to embalm a body yourself, it is not recommended. Embalming is a complex process that requires special training and equipment. It is best left to professional funeral directors and embalmers.
