What is embalming of a body, and is this usual practice after a death?

myrab51

Embalming, in most modern cultures, is the art and science of temporarily preserving human remains to forestall decomposition and to make them suitable for display at a funeral. The three goals of embalming are thus preservation, sanitization and presentation (or restoration) of a dead body to achieve this effect. Embalming has a very long and cross-cultural history, with many cultures giving the embalming processes a greater religious meaning. It is a common practice. I have a friend that actually teaches a course in it at a local college. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embalming Nov 20 07, 2:04 PM

zbeckabee

Here's a nice site that will walk you through the process: http://www.baris.net/bfh/embalm.html Nov 20 07, 2:20 PM

billythebrit

I only ask as they did it Diana, and without wanting to start a Diana debate, there's some controversy as to why. Didn't really know what it meant, so thank you. Nov 20 07, 4:02 PM

SOTHC

They tried doing it before death but it never caught on Nov 20 07, 4:18 PM