Glossary of Funeral Terms

The process of temporarily preserving a body through the use of chemical injections and topical applications to maintain a life-like appearance through the viewing and funeral ceremonies. Embalming should be considered a temporary measure that provides the family with time to complete funeral preparations, make travel plans, etc., rather than a long-term preservation of the body.

A speech delivered at a funeral service in honor of the deceased. The person delivering the eulogy is usually a close friend, member of the clergy, or family member.member, a close friend, or other person of signficance to the deceased.