Another part of life: death. No matter what you believe happens after death, there's still a body that needs to be dealt with. The spectacle occurs when bodies are embalmed to slow decomposition so that visitors at the funeral can view the body.
Dead bodies are pumped with embalming fluid containing formaldehyde, preservatives, additives, disinfectants and other nefarious chemicals (which then leak into ground water). Not only does embalming fluid slow natural decomposition, it's always dyed pink so that a body filled with the fluid appears more life-like.
Mouths and body cavities are emptied, filled with cotton and sewed shut. Visible hair is shaved off. Eye caps with tiny hooks, like velcro, are placed on the receding eyeballs to keep the eyelids from opening. Missing body parts are replaced with plastic. Pink liquid is injected into the skin on noses, cheeks, ears and hands.
Embalmers adapt dead bodies for the viewing of loved ones, which is quite impressive that we're able to stop decomposition. Yet I don't believe the environmental price is worth the spectacle.
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