Here's How Body Preparation for Funerals Works, Something Few People Know About!

Body preparation involves treatments and special rituals. It can be said that this work is not easy, even though the subject is a deceased person.

Besides needing strong personal courage, here are the treatments and special rituals that body preparers must carry out!

Understanding the Profession of Body Preparation

As the name suggests, becoming a body preparer is closely tied to those who have passed away and will go through the funeral process. But do you know where body preparation first began?

The custom of preparing the body before a funeral originated with the ancient Egyptians. Ancient Egyptian body makeup was distinctive for its eye makeup made from lead ore, grey pigments, or green copper ore.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the eyes would become a spiritual form of protection in the afterlife following the mourning period. So, eye makeup was an important ritual for the ancient Egyptians before the funeral procession.

They also believed that facial makeup served as a shield for the deceased to ward off evil spirits.

In Indonesia, body preparation is commonly carried out by people of Christian, Buddhist, and Confucian faiths before the funeral ceremony.

Once body preparation is complete, the coffin is closed and taken to the cemetery as the final resting place.

Families pay attention not only to the body's appearance but also to the burial site. It's also important to look after the family's burial plot so it is well kept as a final mark of respect for a loved one.

Today there are funeral care services you can use, one of which is Kamboja. This service offers a range of funeral packages that are quite comprehensive, from handling the body and arranging the burial to decorating the funeral home and providing refreshments for mourners.

Since it has become a firmly established tradition, it's no surprise that body preparation is a fairly promising profession, especially since not everyone has the courage to face a body directly.

Body Preparation Treatments

The profession of body preparer involves treatments that must not be overlooked. Moreover, the body preparer must be able to recreate the deceased's appearance from when they were alive. Here are some treatments that body preparers must carry out:

1. Using PPE

Body preparers must use personal protective equipment (PPE). The purpose is to protect themselves from infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. Essential PPE that must be provided includes gloves, plastic covers to protect the body, and masks.

So, working as a body preparer carries real risk. You must protect yourself so you do not contract an infectious disease while preparing the body. Usually, however, the funeral home will inform you about the condition and medical history of the deceased.

2. Using Single-Use Sponges

The second treatment is using a single-use. This also helps prevent the spread of disease. Sponge single-use also ensures cleanliness of all equipment makeup later.

After use, the funeral make-up artist usually discards sponge . Then they buy a sponge new one. Besides sponges, other makeup equipment that must also be single-use includes brushes or lip applicators.

3. Applying Moisturizer

Another important step before applying makeup is applying a moisturizer or moisturizer. The skin of the deceased tends to be dry, so a moisturizer must be used so that foundation or powder adheres perfectly. Moisturizer also makes the

makeup last longer, especially since funeral processions usually take several days. So one key to a long-lasting and durable restoration is moisturizer. Some make-up artists also use other products, such as

baby oil . Both moisturizer andbaby oil can help themakeup products, especially the foundation and powder, adhere and last longer. 4. Powder Shade Must Match the Skin

Choosing the powder or

foundation foundation turns out it cannot be done carelessly. The makeup artist must choose a foundation shade that matches the deceased's skin tone, so that the appearance of the makeup looks natural.

This is especially important if the deceased had an illness such as cancer or heart disease that darkened the skin. The makeup artist will choose a shade that matches the person's original skin color.

For a deceased person whose face is incomplete or badly damaged, the artist will apply new skin patches so that the makeup can be applied flawlessly.

5. Dressing the Deceased

After the makeup is finished, the makeup artist will also dress the deceased in clothing chosen by the family. For the choice of clothing, the makeup artist simply follows the family's direction, in line with tradition or the wishes of the deceased.

The choice of clothing also guides the makeup artist in selecting a suitable makeup style. So it is no surprise that the work of a makeup artist for the deceased is demanding and requires getting to know the person well.

Special Rituals During Restorative Makeup

Besides the treatment, the makeup artist also performs special rituals that are never skipped. Some of the special rituals you should know about include:

A. Asking Permission from the Deceased

Even though the person has passed away, the makeup artist asks the deceased for permission before doing their face, because the body still belongs to them and permission must be requested.

In addition, makeup artists believe that the spirit of the body's owner may still be around the body being prepared. This ritual is also a form of respect for the deceased.

B. Asking Permission from the Family

Besides the deceased, the makeup artist must also ask the family for permission. This is especially true if the face was damaged in an accident and the artist must add skin so that the makeup can adhere perfectly.

However, even if the body is intact, the makeup artist still asks permission before applying makeup. This is a form of respect for the grieving family.

C. Offering Prayers

The last step is offering a prayer after the makeup is finished. The makeup artist will offer a prayer or final farewell in accordance with each person's religion and beliefs.

A sincere prayer helps the deceased find a peaceful place. So after finishing the makeup, the artist takes a few moments to pray before leaving the coffin.

Restorative Makeup Is Not an Easy Profession

It may seem simple, but being a makeup artist for the deceased is not as easy as it looks. It requires treatment and special rituals that must not be missed in this noble work.

Although it is connected with mystical matters, being a makeup artist for the deceased is actually a noble job, because it helps the departed look their best on their last day before the funeral procession.

Kamboja stands by your side in providing professional funeral services and offers funeral protection services for you and your beloved family when that day comes.