The loss of a loved one can be a challenging, emotional experience. Fortunately, holding a funeral offers the opportunity to grieve the loss with others and find closure after the experience. Before the funeral, however, the deceased will need to be embalmed, which is a chemical preservation process often required by the funeral home when a loved one passes. Here's a guide to embalming and some frequently asked questions about the process.

A Brief Guide to Embalming

What happens during the embalming process?

The purpose of embalming is to not only preserve the body of the deceased but to create a lifelike appearance. First, the body is massaged to relieve rigor mortis. The face and hands are moisturized and the eyes and mouth are sealed. Next, all blood and body fluid is drained and replaced with a mixture of chemicals and water. The deceased is then cleaned and dressed to prepare for the funeral.

Is embalming required by law?

Embalming is not required by law in Ohio or in any state, excluding circumstances under which a body is being transported across state lines. Your funeral home, on the other hand, may require embalming before agreeing to conduct a public viewing.

Who will choose whether or not the decedent will be embalmed?

If the person who has passed away left behind explicit instructions in a legal document such as a last will and testimony, the family will typically be bound by those instructions. If no such document exists, the decision of whether or not to embalm the deceased will come down to their next of kin. Generally, embalming will only need to be considered in cases where a public viewing is planned rather than an immediate burial or a cremation.

Is there any religious significance to embalming?

While embalming is neither encouraged nor discouraged by Christianity, it is prohibited by some other faiths. Orthodox Jewish and Muslim religions, for instance, consider embalming to be an act of desecration and therefore forbid the practice. If you are unsure of the stance your deceased loved one's religion holds on embalming, contact their place of worship for guidance.  

If you need help laying your loved one to rest, turn to Frederick Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH. This family-owned and-operated funeral home has compassionately guided families in need through the funeral planning process since 1932. They will help you plan a meaningful ceremony for your loved one. Visit their website to learn more about their background, or call (513) 522-3700 to schedule an appointment.