What is the primary purpose of embalming the body?

The primary purpose of embalming the body is to sanitize and preserve the body. This process involves the injection of embalming fluid, which serves to disinfect the body, preventing decomposition and controlling odors. By preserving the tissues, embalming allows for a longer time between death and final disposition, such as burial or cremation. This is particularly important for facilitating viewings or memorial services, where family and friends may wish to pay their respects to the deceased in as lifelike an appearance as possible.

While enhancing physical appearance for viewing is a significant aspect of the embalming process, it is considered a secondary benefit rather than the primary purpose. Preparing the body for cremation does not typically involve embalming, as cremation destroys the body immediately after death, and there is no need for preservation methods. Additionally, promoting burial in natural settings is more closely related to green burial practices, which focus on reducing environmental impact and often do not include embalming at all. Thus, emphasizing the sanitation and preservation of human remains underscores the fundamental objective of embalming.