When a person passes away in Lithuania and is to be buried there, embalming is usually an optional service. However, if the death occurs in another country, embalming may become necessary to preserve the remains during transportation – especially if the body is transported by a vehicle that does not maintain the required temperature or by plane. What is embalming?
Embalming is a physically invasive procedure. During this process, bodily fluids are removed from the remains, the body is disinfected, and embalming fluids are introduced to slow down decomposition.
The embalming process is done only when the preservation of the body is needed for a longer period. The embalming process preserves the body for a certain period, from 7-10 days. The rate of decomposition varies depending on the chemicals and techniques used in embalming, as well as the humidity and temperature of the storage environment.
Why are remains embalmed?
The body is embalmed to preserve the natural appearance of the deceased until family members have the opportunity to say their goodbyes. Embalming is commonly used for open-casket funerals, long-distance transportation, and when remains are required for medical or scientific purposes.
Repatriation of the deceased often takes longer than three days, so embalming may be used to maintain the body’s condition throughout the journey. This is particularly relevant when transportation is carried out by a vehicle that does not maintain appropriate refrigeration (2–4°C). Our specialized vehicles equipped with reliable refrigeration systems maintain the required temperature throughout the journey, meaning embalming is not always necessary in such cases.
However, when transporting the deceased by air, embalming is typically required.
When is embalming not required or permitted?
The deceased is not embalmed before cremation, unless the family wishes to hold a viewing beforehand, with an open cast.
If the deceased had a serious contagious disease, transportation and embalming of the remains may not be permitted. In such cases, cremation may be required to prevent the spread of infection to another country.
Some religions prohibit embalming. In Christianity, it is generally neither opposed nor prohibited.
However, in some religious traditions, such as Islam, the Baha’i faith, and Orthodox Judaism, this process is considered a desecration of the body and is prohibited. In Hinduism and Buddhism, cremation is the customary practice; therefore, embalming is usually not necessary.