ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

embalming

Embalmers are people who work to help funeral homes get dead bodies ready for services and burials.

When people die, their bodies start to change and rot. This can make them look and smell bad. Embalming is the process of using special chemicals to slow down how fast a body changes after death so that it can be viewed and buried.

The first step in embalming is to clean the body. This helps to remove any dirt or blood that may be on it. Once it is clean, the embalmer will use a scalpel to make a small incision in the body. The incision is usually made in an area that can be covered by clothes, like the armpit or groin area.

Then, the embalmer will insert a tube into the incision and use it to drain out any fluids that may be in the body. This includes blood and other bodily fluids. The embalmer will then use another tube to inject a preservative chemical called formaldehyde into the body.

Formaldehyde helps to slow down how fast the body changes after death by killing bacteria and preventing the breakdown of tissue. The embalmer will massage the body to make sure the formaldehyde is distributed evenly.

After the formaldehyde is injected, the embalmer will clean and dress the body. This includes putting on makeup and doing the person's hair to make them look their best. The body is then placed in a casket for burial or viewing by family and friends.

Overall, embalming is a way to help bring comfort to family and friends during a difficult time. It allows them to say goodbye to their loved one in a way that is respectful and dignified.