Preparing the Deceased: Dressing and Coffin Placement - Blog 8, Part 4

During a particularly hectic period in the funeral industry, there has been a slight delay in releasing my latest blog post. As always, our priority is serving the needs of the families we care for, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Part 4 of 6: Embalming

WJ O'Donnell

With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to extend warm wishes for a Happy New Year to everyone. It's hard to believe that we are already past the halfway point of January, and we hope that this year brings peace, healing, and new beginnings to all.

You can access the last blog by visiting the following link: https://www.nifunerals.com/irishundertakerblog/8part3 -

I invite you to dive into this informative and engaging piece, as we delve deeper into the fascinating world of embalming and the funeral industry.

These latest blog posts are a rare chance to explore embalming the advanced techniques use in Ireland. Exploring my personal experience that I have witnessed and practiced over the past almost 40-year career as an Irish undertaker.

More importantly....

Embalming is a process that has been used for a century to preserve the body of the deceased. Its primary purpose is to slow down the natural decomposition process, which can help to provide a more peaceful and respectful farewell to the departed. The process involves the injection of a special solution into the body through the arteries, which replaces the blood and fluids. This solution typically includes a mixture of formaldehyde, methanol, and other chemicals.

At WJ O'Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, we understand that our clients and their families pay for the embalming service, which is why it's important to know exactly what you're paying for. We also believe that you should have a better understanding of what happens behind the closed doors of our facilities and the care that you or your loved one will receive. I believe it's vital to share information while protecting our clients' privacy.

In recent years, there have been many advancements in the techniques used for embalming. For example, we now offer eco-friendly or "green" embalming options that use non-toxic solutions. There are also new methods that involve using natural enzymes and microbes to break down the body instead of harsh chemicals.

Our main goal is to provide a peaceful and respectful way to say goodbye to our loved ones. As an Irish undertaker with almost four decades of experience, I understand the importance of this process and am committed to providing the highest quality service to every client we serve.

So In this blog post, Part 4 of our 6 part series on Embalming and preparing the deceased for their final journey.

Long before my time and before the interdiction of coffins the deceased would be carefully wrapped in a shroud before being laid to rest, and sometimes personal items or symbolic objects would be placed alongside the body. The shroud was considered an important part of the funeral rites and was believed to provide comfort and protection to the deceased in the afterlife.

The delicate tasks of dressing and placing the deceased in the coffin are carried out with great care and respect by my team. Moving the body from the embalming table to the coffin is done by two members of staff using specialized lifting equipment to safely transfer the deceased. At all times, the deceased is handled as if they were still alive to maintain their dignity. Preparing the deceased in the dressing room is also a delicate task that requires compassion. We treat the deceased with the utmost respect, and if the deceased is female, we have a female member of staff to provide assistance wherever possible.

Shrouds have been used for centuries to prepare the dead for burial. In the past, a simple linen sheet was wrapped around the body, with knots tied at the foot and head. As time went on, coffin sheets replaced the traditional winding sheet, and the body was placed in a shift with a bonnet, with the sheets pinned to the sides of the coffin. In the 19th century, the shroud evolved into a tailored garment with distinct styles for different genders. Early burials were often made without benefit of a coffin – the body was merely shrouded. There is some evidence that the Irish believed that no pins could be left in a corpse's clothing or shroud or they would be tied to the earth, doomed to haunt as a ghost. Dressing the deceased used to be an integral part of the grieving process and was carried out by the family after death. It allowed the family to pay their respects and perform the last rites in a dignified and meaningful way. In the past, it was common for the death to occur at home, and the family would take care of important infection protection measures after the loved one had passed away.

The practice of dressing the deceased in their own clothes is relatively new in Ireland, as traditional dress codes involved a plain or shroud with an image. However, as societal norms evolved, there was a growing desire to personalize funeral services, leading to the acceptance of dressing the deceased in their own clothes.

In our role at WJ O'Donnell & Sons, we have been entrusted with the important task of dressing the deceased. With our team of skilled undertakers and staff members, we approach this responsibility with the utmost care and respect. We understand the significance of this step in the grieving process, as it allows family and friends to bid their final farewells in a dignified manner.

In recent years, I have witnessed a notable shift in Ireland towards using the deceased's personal clothing. This practice, if the individual had specific preferences or a favorite outfit, allows for a more personalized and meaningful farewell. It reflects a growing desire to honor and respect the unique individuality and personal identity of the departed.

At WJ O'Donnell & Sons, we not only ensure that infection protection measures are in place, but our Funeral Directors also offer guidance to the family regarding clothing choices. We understand the importance of a restful presentation, taking into consideration the individual's personal style and preferences. By incorporating their favourite clothing, we strive to create a final tribute that truly reflects the person they were in life.

This evolving funeral trends in Ireland signifies a deeper understanding of the need to honor the deceased's personal choices, even in their final moments. It demonstrates a growing awareness of the significance of a personalized and meaningful farewell, allowing loved ones to bid their final goodbyes in a way that feels authentic and reflective of the individual's personality and style, and we will be here to support you and carry out your loved ones wishes.

The use of personal clothing adds a unique touch to the dressing process. It allows family and friends to remember their loved one as they were in life, wearing the clothes that were dear to them. This practice not only provides a sense of closure but also helps in the grieving process, as it allows family members to reminisce about the deceased's life and cherish the memories associated with their clothing.

In addition to the deceased's personal clothing, a coffin dress or shroud is often used to further enhance the presentation. This garment can be personalized with delicate embroidery or lace, adding a touch of elegance and reverence. The choice of fabric, colour, and adornment can be tailored to reflect the individual's taste and preferences.

The incorporation of personal clothing and the use of a customized coffin dress or shroud create a truly unique and heartfelt tribute to the deceased. It allows family and friends to say their final goodbyes in a way that is deeply personal and meaningful where the deceased looks at peace in comfort.

This practice has become increasingly popular in Ireland over the past two decades, as it aligns with the evolving attitudes towards funeral attire and the desire to create a more personal and intimate farewell.

It's worth noting that many still prefer the traditional shroud, and we're happy to accommodate those requests.

In conclusion, the use of the deceased's personal clothing has become a common practice in Ireland over the past 20 years. It allows for a more personalized and meaningful farewell, honouring the individual's preferences and style. Alongside personal clothing, a customized coffin dress or shroud can be used to add an extra layer of elegance and reverence to the presentation. This practice reflects the changing attitudes towards funeral traditions and the desire to create a final tribute that truly captures the essence of the departed. Placing the deceased in the coffin is the final step and requires attention to detail and care. The body should be positioned in a way that looks natural and comfortable, and pillows or padding maybe used to ensure a dignified presentation. Throughout the dressing process, it is important to honour the deceased's personal preferences and beliefs, as this can create a meaningful and comforting final tribute.

Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more insightful and intriguing content on my blog. If you have any specific topics or questions you would like me to address, feel free to let me know.