How did funeral home get its name?

CLASS. The funeral industry did not emerge until after the Civil War when the process of embalming became widespread and more accepted by the general public. Before the mid-19th century, the dead were often displayed in the family home in the “parlor,” hence the term “funeral parlor” that is still in use today.

What is a funeral building called?

A funeral home, funeral parlor or mortuary, is a business that provides burial and funeral services for the dead and their families. These services may include a prepared wake and funeral, and the provision of a chapel for the funeral.

What are people who own funeral homes called?

Mortician specifically means the person who handles the body in preparation for a funeral. Since most funeral homes are small, local operations, the person who embalms and beautifies the body is also often the funeral director. Commonly this is also the owner of the funeral home.

Why do funeral homes put undergarments on deceased?

Most funeral homes keep a supply of undergarments on hand to protect the modesty of the deceased and will always have cosmetics available. If the decedent comes into the funeral home wearing jewelry it is common practice for it to either remain with the body or be given to the family/ person making arrangements.

What’s the difference between a funeral home and a funeral parlor?

Both facilities offer similar services, but mortuaries are more likely to have cremation services, which are less common in funeral homes. Generally, funeral homes are more adept at planning a funeral or memorial services, and they are more likely to offer help with grief counseling.

What is the difference between a funeral parlor and a funeral home?

Although the outcome is the same — burial or cremation — a mortuary is often more focused on the mortuary sciences of caring for and preparing the body for burial or cremation. The mortuary may offer less services but may also cost significantly less. One key difference is that only a mortuary offers on-site cremation.

What is the person called that does embalming?

An embalmer is the funeral professional that is responsible for making sure the body is ready for burial. As the name denotes, embalmers perform the act of embalming, meaning they remove all body fluids and replace them with embalming liquid to slow down the body’s decomposition for a funeral service.

What is the difference between a mortician and an embalmer?

Funeral director is the most modern and commonly used term within the funeral industry. The term Mortician was the winning entry. Embalmers on the other hand have a very different and distinct role. They are the professionals responsible for preparing the body for burial.

Why is a funeral home called a home?

Funeral homes are called homes because they are basically for the living and not the dead. Years ago the living room in homes were called death rooms. Dead family members were displayed in the death room. Years later when funeral homes came into the picture death rooms were started to be called living rooms.

Why are funeral homes called just funeral directors or Undertakers?

Just Funeral Directors’ or Undertakers’ the apostrophe implying the premises of the Funeral Director. Funeral homes are called homes because they are basically for the living and not the dead. Years ago the living room in homes were called death rooms. Dead family members were displayed in the death room.

What is a memorial service and why have one?

In its most simple explanation, a memorial service is a funeral without a body/casket. It can be held anywhere and at any time (even weeks, months, or years later), and does not have to have any associations with a funeral home, cemetery, crematorium, or other burial facility.

How do I choose the right funeral home for me?

Choosing a more cheerful location. While useful, funeral homes tend to be sober and sedate, and the atmosphere can be overwhelming for some people. Memorial services can be held anywhere, which means you can set the tone for the service.