Understanding Burial & Embalming
What is the history of earth burials and embalming?
The dead have been formally buried for at least 200,000 years and archeologists at-tribute the custom to Neanderthals. People use earth burials to show respect for theirdead, for health reasons and to fulfill religious prescriptions. Of all the great civiliza-tions, Egyptians are singled out for their burial practices. Within this culture was a per-sistent theme to death and life beyond and the divine origin of the soul. In the westernworld and as Christianity grew, churchyards served as the main sites for burials. Burialwithin the church itself was reserved for wealthy persons or those with religious status.As villages expanded into communities, churchyards became crowded leading to thecreation of modern cemeteries. Embalming originated in Egypt, estimated to havebegun about 3200 BC. as a necessary requirement for resurrection and preservationof the body. The roots of modern embalming began during the Civil War as a practicalway to meet the demand of families who requested that their dead be returned homefor burial in family plots or farms.
Why burial and embalming?
Today, it is customary to transfer the deceased person soon after death to the funeralhome to arrange funeral activities and as the place where the body is cared for. InEarly America, the deceased person was prepared by family members and friendsand a “wake” was held for several days, accompanied by serving food, beverages,music, and story-telling about the deceased person as a way to show support to thebereaved. Still today, it is common for a “funeral” luncheon or dinner to be held formourners and support-givers.The single most publicized event that helped educate the public and advance thepractice of embalming was the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.Embalmed by the noted Washington, D.C. surgeon, Dr. Brown and his colleague,Henry Cattell, Lincoln’s body was viewed by more than a million and half mournersbefore leaving on a several-day train procession to his tomb in Illinois. Amazed by thepreserved body of Lincoln, the new commercial process of embalming was born. Simi-lar principles and purposes for embalming exist today – mainly to sanitize the bodyand preserve it so family members have time to gather, plan funeral-memorial activi-ties, pay respects and offer support to the bereaved. Embalmers undergo extensivetraining in specialized colleges and must pass a state-board examination.
Where will the body be buried?
Earth burials take place in cemeteries. Entombment takes place in a mausoleum, abuilding within a cemetery for above-ground placement of deceased persons. Cre-mated remains are also buried in cemeteries. Modern cemeteries, usually separatefrom their communities, attract historians, bird watchers, joggers, horticulturists, evenprovide tours of the famous and infamous buried within. There are approximately100,000 cemeteries in the country. Arlington National Cemetery is the best-knowncemetery and is restricted to veterans only.Several cemeteries are available in Southern Utah. We work with all cemeteries andarrange for burials and entombments on a world-wide basis. We are expert in arrang-ing burials in any National Cemetery for qualifying veterans and family members.
Are “natural” funerals and “green” burials available?
Yes. In a natural funeral, the deceased person is professionally cared for without theuse of formaldehyde-based treatment and promotes the return to natural elements us-ing biodegradable caskets instead of metal caskets. Funeral activities are still held,usually at the funeral home or in a residence. Green burials occur in green-designatedcemeteries or sections of a cemetery that permit the placement of a biodegradable cas-kets directly into the grave without a support structure, such as burial vaults. Theseoptions often appeal to those wanting a ceremony with more personal connection to thedeceased, who are ecologically-concerned, prefer home-based activities, or when thisis recommended by religious preferences.
Are home-based funerals available?
Yes. Southern Utah Mortuary believes in fulfilling the wishes of those who seek ourservice. We provide full disclosure of all options and strive to provide services that aremeaningful to you. Our staff welcomes working with you and will assist you in makingarrangements to accommodate your exact wishes for a home-based farewell.
Why is Southern Utah Mortuary the “first choice” for burials of any kind?
- Our facilities are state-of-the-art, comfortable and welcoming
- Our dedicated, licensed staff believes in accommodating and fulfilling your wishes and in doing things your way
- Until burial or shipment, the deceased person always remains in our custody - never transferred into a ‘strangers’ hands
- Through our national and international network, we can arrange transfers and transport to and from any part of the world
- Burials are scheduled at the convenience of the family
- We are knowledgeable of all state, national and international laws, are fully licensed and nationally recognized as experts
- We work within your budget
How are arrangements made?
With one call to Southern Utah Mortuary, we schedule a meeting with the family to dis-cuss your wishes and provide answers to your questions regarding earth burial andmausoleum choices, natural or home-based funeral activities, cremation, long distanceshipment or other special needs. We also provide advance funeral planning to ensurethat your exact wishes are followed at the time of need.
