I am from Germany with multiple relatives in the funeral industry. Here embalming except for some exceptions is not allowed. The corpse is just cooled and viewings are no problem without embalming. I do not understand why Americans are putting efforts in preserving a corpse using embalming, metal caskets and concrete vaults. Here, casket and clothing are required to be biodegradable, so that after 20-30 at latest, everything in the grave has gone and the grave can be reused for another corpse. In case some remains are recovered, they just will be put a little bit deeper and covered with an earth layer whereupon the next casket is placed. Isn‘t the whole point of being buried just to return to dust instead of becoming a mummy in an airtight container?
Yes you can be viewed without embalming. It’s one of those add one that they talk you into so you spend more money. Unless it’s extreme cases there is no need for it at all. As long as your loved one is kept cool your just spending extra money for no good reason. It became popular here after a Abraham Lincoln now people just don’t question it. They funeral business in America is pretty messed up. You herd him say it makes you look more natural and resting that’s actually the opposite kinda makes you look like wax
I still think it's $$$ tomfoolery .. Who would pay a renowned painter to paint a painting for them, then bury the painting in the ground (or burn it up) intending it to never be viewed again ? Makes about as much sense ... smh ...
Its so that you can see your loved one for the last time looking as normal as they can be as if they're asleep. When I last saw my younger brother 3 weeks ago it was in his bedroom where he had passed hours before and he already looked discoloured and his features changed. I'm going to see him today before the funeral, to replace that awful experience with (still an awful experience) but one where he looks like he should