Ever since the beginning of mankind, civilized cultures all have one specific thing in common. They all practice a dignified disposition of their loved ones who die. In fact, Robert G. Mayer, author of a widely used embalming text book writes in his text that "the art and science of embalming has been performed, in one form or another, for well over 5500 years." Of course the methods of embalming have varied greatly over course of time; however one important aspect for many of these practices is the ability for our species to scientifically preserve the remains of the dead human body. In more modern times, mankind has come to understand this process to be known as embalming.
Without diverting too much from the topic at hand, it is important to note the writing of well known literary poet, William Evart Gladstone:
Show me the manner in which a nation or community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.
Regrettably, over the course of time, the dignity linked to the reverence for a dead person has been diminishing over the course of time. Although society is far from a crisis concerning this issue, it should be brought to light that over time, this could become a problematic social issue. What is even more alarming is that this is an issue that is widely ignored. There is no social movement or governmental movement to restore the dignity surrounding the deferential nature of death.
Embalming is and both an art form as well as a science. The careful hands of an embalmer are frequently needed to disinfect, preserve and restore the remains so that the dead body is not only safe fr...
... middle of paper ...
...Sylvia Plath in the work "Lady Lazarus." The quote is the following:
Dying
Is an art, like everything else.
I do it exceptionally well.
Although many people my not have the same thoughts concerning their own death, it is in a peculiar way, a goal of funeral directors. We want people to die exceptionally well. It is important for our families to remember their loved ones as the last time they viewed them, and how wonderful the deceased looked. This is accomplished by taking pride in the work that is done, and understanding the importance of detail in this line of work. It is the hope of all funeral service professionals that persons understand the importance and value of what we offer the general public and it is the hope of many to reunite our clientele with the peaceful reverence that is slowly being stripped away from society.
In the essay “On the Fear of Death” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross focuses on dying and the effects it has on children as well as those who are dying, while in Jessica Mitford’s “Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain” focuses more on the after fact when the deceased is being prepared of their last appearance. Both authors, point out that the current attitude toward death is to simply cover it up. A successful funeral is when the deceased looks “Lyf Lyk” in Mitford’s Essay, but in Kubler-Ross’ it is dying at a peace with oneself, no IVs attached. Both authors feel that the current views of death is dehumanizing. Mitford points this out with the allusion that the funeral parlors are a theatrical play, while Kubler-Ross comments “I think there are many reasons
Each person has their own reason why the work in the funeral industry. Some people find it a “calling”. Others see it as a job only they can do. I do it because I enjoy helping people during a dark time and I don’t feel squeamish or sick when I handle remains. This is an occupation that is needed. People do not like to be reminded of their mortality, and when they experience death, it is shocking. We are here so that we can help them move past that shock and understand and accept their loss. We’re here to care for the deceased with the respect and dignity that everyone deserves in death.
Perhaps the most notorious of burial practices originating in Egypt is that of mummification. Why such an extraordinary attempt was made to preserve cadavers may seem
“In most human society's death is an extremely important cultural and social phenomenon, sometimes more important than birth” (Ohnuki-Tierney, Angrosino, & Daar et al. 1994). In the United States of America, when a body dies it is cherished, mourned over, and given respect by the ones that knew the person. It is sent to the morgue and from there the family decides how the body should be buried or cremated based on...
Death comes to all in the end, shrouded in mystery, occasionally bringing with it pain, and while some may welcome its finality, others may fight it with every ounce of their strength. Humans have throughout the centuries created death rituals to bring them peace and healing after the death of a loved one.
There are three main goals for a funeral: the physical goal, the social goal and the psychological goal according to Lensing (2001). The physical goal of funerals involves the remoal of the deceased and the opportunity for mourning family and friends to express their grief Lensing (2001) found. The social goal is as simple as it sounds, it is to provide a community for the family and friends that recognize the change in relationships after death and to support them during these changes Lensing (2001) stated. “The psychological goals are to assist the mourners in accepting the reality of death and provide a starting point to process the feeelisng assiociated with grief” according to Lensing (2001).
Most people view death as an evil force set out against all of humanity. In fact, in our present culture, the personification of death, the grim reaper, is one ...
Since ancient time, “dying with dignity” has had a different cultural context amongst humans. Some individuals have imagined and prepared their dying moments at an early age: In dependence of religious, political and /or society background. Dignity is defined as a sense of self-respect, self-worth and nobility. It is one of the highest consensus of autonomy belonging to humankind. Therefore, it is the sense of honor that makes humans stand up for whatever the meaning of freedom represents to them. The feeling of freedom that a person may have when dying could result in some delusional moments as their life is fading away, or is death perhaps the reality that dignifies human life.
Embalming fluid’s main purpose is to slow the decomposition of the dead. Mainly found in morgues and funeral homes. The fluid involves the injection of chemicals into the body through the blood vessels for preservation of the body. The following compounds are found in embalming fluid, formaldehyde, methanol, and ethanol or ethyl alcohol. In embalming fluid products, the percentage of formaldehyde can range from 5 to 29 percent; ethyl alcohol content can vary from 9 to 56 percent. Ethyl alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant.
To conclude, difference and diversity in relation to a ‘good death’ are important to forming guidance to fully understanding what is defined in creating a good death. A method in which can be taken and used for gaining equality for all, regardless of age, sex or religious beliefs or financial status. Furthermore, what everyone will perceive as a ‘good death’ will differ, with no definition as to which is right or wrong. everyone has the right to die with dignity and respect, peacefully with minimal suffering surrounded by people they
Most people dismiss anything having to do with death out of fear. The uncertainty some associate with death has caused Funeral Service to be a particularly taboo subject in society. One may assume funeral directors are the sketchy personalities enthralled with death, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Over the years, Funeral Service has progressed and become a larger industry. Funeral Service has changed in its history over time, affecting the education required, and the job they do today.
Several points were also discussed within this chapter. Fifty years as the span of appropriate period wherein investigation of deaths is possible. Also, decedents are defined as skeletons of deceased persons. Lastly, forensic anthropologists’ modern and traditional roles were discussed within this chapter.
One thing that we often hear is that “death is just a part of life.” So often in our day and age do we hear people utter these words. However, death is far more significant and impactful than some would allege. True death is not merely a time when we cease to exist; it is an entombment, a mindset in which we are dead to this world. Throughout our lives, it is true that we can all be dead in one way or another, but it does not have to be that way. When we have our eyes opened to what death actually is, it is far easier to grasp what the true meaning of life is, and to embrace it. Often, we will come across individuals who are enveloped in death and others who are immersed in true life. The shadow of death and entombment lies upon some, encompassing
I was very excited to take Death and Dying as a college level course. Firstly, because I have always had a huge interest in death, but it coincides with a fear surrounding it. I love the opportunity to write this paper because I can delve into my own experiences and beliefs around death and dying and perhaps really establish a clear personal perspective and how I can relate to others in a professional setting.
... learning about ancient medical practices in Egypt, therefore I have decided to continue research and expand my paper into a twenty page research paper for my final research paper at the end of the semester. In my next portion of my ten page paper I will explore the other topics stated in my thesis. My final paper will merely be a continuation of the topics that I have written about in this paper. I will explore and go into depth with the topics of human embalmment and its significance to the work of modern medicine today. I would also like to compare modern day embalmment for funerals with embalmment rituals used in Ancient Egypt. Another primary focus for the next installment of this paper will be a detailed argument of why it would be a wonderful and scientifically beneficial idea to fund and continue research of medical practices in Ancient Egypt.