Covered Legs in Caskets: Respect, Dignity, Swelling | McDougal Funeral Home (2024)

FAQs

Why do they cover your legs in a casket? ›

The most common reason for covering legs in an open-casket setting is that the primary focus of these showings is the departed's face, and covering the legs can help draw focus to that area.

“Someone will also look more plumped up because the embalming fluid is put into the body before the blood is taken out,” adds Hannah.

Better lighting and aesthetics When only the upper body is visible, funeral directors have an easier time setting up lighting to illuminate the departed's face. The closed lower half of the casket also provides more room to place flowers, photos, or other decorative or symbolic items the family may want to display.

I then puncture the internal organs to drain the fluid. I remove the contents of the intestines, bowels and bladder, too, as these can give off gases and smell. I don't come into contact with the fluids. It's very clean and tidy.

This is almost always done because, when relaxed, the mouth stays open. We also use cotton to fill out hollow cheeks or give the appearance of teeth to those who have none, or are missing a few. The device under the eye is actually a serrated plastic eye cap that helps keep the eye closed.

6. Eyes and lips are not sewn or glued shut. During the embalming process, an "eye cap" is placed under each eyelid and over the eyeball. The eyes themselves may soften a little over time, but the eye cap helps to retain the shape of the eye.

This is a process known as putrefaction. As they feed on our tissues, these bacteria expel gases like methane and ammonia that create the bloating frequently seen in the abdomen after death.

What Do Funeral Homes Do with the Blood from the Dead Body? The funeral home drains off the blood via the veins. They then send the blood and other fluids such as lymph into the municipal sewage system. In turn, the waste disposal officers treat these fluids before entering the town's wastewater system.

Most funeral homes keep a supply of undergarments on hand to protect the modesty of the deceased and will always have cosmetics available.

Why do they cross your arms in a casket? ›

Body positioning. Burials may be placed in a number of different positions. Bodies with the arms crossed date back to ancient cultures such as Chaldea in the 10th century BC, where the "X" symbolized their sky god.

These days, the dead are usually dressed in their burial clothes before they're laid to rest. These garments can include anything from a simple white gown for a Christian funeral service or khaki pants and shirt if cremated according to Buddhist tradition.

An ancient practice of burying dead people six feet underground may have helped mask the odor of decay from predators. Similarly, random disturbances, such as plowing, would be unable to reach a person buried six feet underneath. Preventing the Spread of Disease was another major reason.

It is important to remember that, when carrying a coffin or casket, the person inside is always carried feet first – the only exception is a vicar, who is carried head first to face their congregation. Coffins are carried feet first simply because of health and safety, rather than any kind of ceremonial tradition.

Shoes are actually not recommended. One reason for this is that they are not seen in the casket. Another reason is that they can be very difficult to put on due to the body being swollen and rigid.