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Glossary S

Sacramental Services

Religious services performed by a priest or other spiritual leader.

  1. Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)

Sacraments

Religious rites or ceremonies performed by a priest or minister during the funeral service.

  1. Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
  2. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)

Safety precautions for embalmers

Safety precautions for embalmers – Precautions taken to protect embalmers from exposure to hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases.

  1. How Can I Become a Certified Embalmer Through an Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Safety protocols

Safety protocols – Procedures and guidelines for ensuring the safety of morticians and funeral home staff.

  1. How Can I Ensure Compliance with Professional Standards in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  2. What Strategies Should I Use to Ensure Proper Boundary Maintenance as a Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  3. What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Performing an Autopsy? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. How Can I Become a Certified Embalmer Through an Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  5. What Types of Antimicrobial Agents Are Used in Mortuary Services? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  6. How Can I Become a Licensed Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  7. What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  8. How Can I Gain Professional Experience for Embalming Certification? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  9. What Resources Are Available to Help Pass Professional Examinations for Embalming Certification? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  10. Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
  11. What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  12. How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  13. How Do I Obtain Embalming Certification? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  14. How Can I Establish a Positive Reputation as an Undertaker? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  15. What Regulations Must Be Followed When Performing a Burial as a Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  16. How is Arterial Embalming Performed? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  17. What Do I Need to Know About Regulatory Compliance in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  18. What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Sample collection protocols

Sample collection protocols – Procedures for collecting and handling samples for testing and analysis.

  1. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)

Sanitation/disinfection procedures

Sanitation/disinfection procedures – Procedures used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases during the embalming process.

  1. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)

Sanitation practices

  1. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
  2. What Strategies Should I Use to Ensure Proper Boundary Maintenance as a Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Scattering

Scattering – The act of spreading cremated remains in a designated area or location.

  1. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  2. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  3. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  4. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  5. Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  6. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  7. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
  8. How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  9. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  10. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  11. Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  12. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)

Scattering ashes at a meaningful location

Scattering ashes at a meaningful location – The act of scattering cremated remains in a location that holds significance to the deceased or their loved ones.

  1. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)

Scattering gardens

Scattering gardens – A designated area within a cemetery or memorial park for scattering cremated remains.

  1. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  2. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  3. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)

Scattering laws

Regulations governing the scattering of cremated remains in public or private spaces.

  1. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Scattering of ashes

Scattering of ashes – The act of spreading cremated remains in a designated area or location.

  1. Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)
  2. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  3. What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  5. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
  6. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  7. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  8. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)

Sealing techniques

Techniques used to seal burial containers to prevent water and air from entering.

  1. Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)

Seasonal variations in flower availability

  1. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)

Security

Measures taken to ensure the safety of the funeral home, staff, and attendees.

  1. What Information is Required on a Death Certificate? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  2. What Regulations Must Be Followed When Performing a Burial as a Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  3. What Do I Need to Know About Regulatory Compliance in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. How Can I Develop My Grief Counseling Skills Through Active Listening? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  5. What Are the Best Practices for Implementing a Chatbot in a Funeral Business? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  6. How Can Morticians Ensure Accurate Documentation of Autopsies Results? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  7. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  8. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  9. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  10. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  11. What Types of Services Should I Outsource as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  12. What Strategies Can Morticians Use to Facilitate Respectful Interactions? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  13. What Strategies Should Morticians Use to Become Effective Organizational Leaders? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  14. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  15. What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Security measures

Precautions taken to ensure the safety of the deceased and funeral attendees.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  2. What Are the Best Practices for Implementing a Chatbot in a Funeral Business? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  3. What Are The Best Career Paths For Morticians? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Selective attention

The ability to focus on specific stimuli while filtering out irrelevant information.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Self-awareness

The ability to recognize and understand one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Self-care

The practice of taking care of oneself to maintain physical, emotional, and mental health.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  2. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  3. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
  4. Mortuary Science: Epitaph vs. Eulogy (Honoring the Deceased)
  5. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  6. How Can I Develop My Grief Counseling Skills Through Active Listening? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  7. What Strategies Can Morticians Use to Facilitate Respectful Interactions? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  8. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  9. What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Self-care for caregivers

Practices and activities that help caregivers maintain their own physical and emotional well-being.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)

Self-care practices

Activities and behaviors that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

  1. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  2. What Strategies Can Morticians Use to Facilitate Respectful Interactions? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  3. What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  5. What Are The Best Career Paths For Morticians? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Self-care techniques

Strategies for maintaining physical and emotional well-being while working in the funeral industry.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  2. What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Sensations

Physical experiences that are perceived through the senses, such as pain, pleasure, and temperature.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  2. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Sensory experience

The overall sensory impression created by a funeral service, including sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Sensory experience contrast

The use of contrasting sensory experiences to create a more meaningful and memorable funeral service.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Sensory input

Information received through the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Sensory integration

The ability to process and interpret sensory information from the environment.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Separate property states

States where property acquired during a marriage is considered separate rather than marital property.

  1. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)

Sepulchre

A small room or monument used for burial or entombment.

  1. Mausoleum vs. Crypt in Mortuary Science (Types of Burial)

Serology

The study of blood serum and other bodily fluids for diagnostic and forensic purposes.

  1. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)

Service Options

The various options available for funeral and memorial services.

  1. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)

Shape

The physical shape and design of a casket or urn.

  1. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)
  2. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)
  3. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  4. Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)
  5. Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)
  6. What Are Some Unique Ways to Personalize a Coffin? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Sharing memories and stories

Reminiscing about the deceased’s life and personality during the funeral service or reception.

  1. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)

Shipping or transporting ashes with an urn or cremation jewelry

Moving cremated remains to a different location using a container or jewelry designed for this purpose.

  1. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Shiva observances

Jewish mourning rituals observed for seven days after the funeral.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)

Shrinkage prevention techniques

Techniques used to prevent the shrinkage of funeral fabrics.

  1. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)

Shroud vs Pall

The difference between a shroud and a pall used in funerals.

  1. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)

Sikhism

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)

Six-sided coffins

Coffins designed in a hexagonal shape to accommodate the natural shape of the human body.

  1. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)

Skeletonization

The process of removing flesh and tissue from bones for forensic or educational purposes.

  1. Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)

Social isolation and withdrawal

A common response to grief that involves withdrawing from social interactions and activities.

  1. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)

Social norms

Accepted behaviors and customs surrounding funeral practices.

  1. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
  2. Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)

Soil degradation

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)

Solemnity

  1. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

A type of therapy that focuses on finding solutions to problems rather than dwelling on the problem itself.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)

Somatic experiencing

A type of therapy that focuses on physical sensations and helps individuals release trauma stored in the body.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)

Space burial

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)

Spiritual and emotional impact of funeral tributes

  1. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)

Spiritual beliefs

Personal convictions or faith that guide funeral arrangements and services.

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
  2. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)
  3. Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)

Spiritual beliefs about the soul’s journey beyond life

Beliefs about what happens to the soul after death, including reincarnation and an afterlife.

  1. Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)

Spiritual practices

Religious or personal rituals and beliefs related to death and the afterlife.

  1. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  2. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  3. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)

Spiritual support

Assistance and guidance from religious or spiritual leaders to help individuals cope with grief and loss.

  1. Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
  2. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  3. How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Stages-of-grief model

A psychological framework that outlines the common emotional stages experienced after a loss.

  1. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)

Stainless steel

A type of steel that is resistant to corrosion and often used in the construction of caskets and other funeral products.

  1. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)

Stain removal techniques

Techniques used to remove stains from funeral fabrics.

  1. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)

Standing display

  1. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)

Standing sprays

Floral arrangements designed to stand upright and typically displayed at the funeral service.

  1. Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)

State and federal laws

Laws and regulations that govern the funeral industry at the state and federal level.

  1. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)

State laws on burial containers

Laws regulating the type of burial containers allowed in each state.

  1. Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)

State registrar

An official responsible for maintaining records of births, deaths, and other vital statistics within a state.

  1. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)

State-specific regulations

Laws and guidelines that vary by state and govern the funeral industry and mortician practices.

  1. What Do I Need to Know About Regulatory Compliance in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Steel

A strong and durable metal commonly used in the construction of caskets and other funeral products.

  1. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)
  2. Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)

Steel casket

A coffin made of steel, often used in modern funerals.

  1. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)

Step-up in basis

The adjustment of the value of an asset for tax purposes upon the death of the owner.

  1. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)

Stimuli

Any external factors that can elicit a response or reaction from an individual.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)
  2. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)

Stone

A material commonly used for headstones and grave markers.

  1. Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)
  2. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Storage capacity

The amount of space available for storing cremated remains.

  1. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Storage options for ashes

Options for storing cremated remains, including urns and scattering.

  1. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Storage options for unused portions of ashes after filling an urn or making a piece of cremation jewelry

Options for storing remaining ashes after using a portion for an urn or jewelry.

  1. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Storage requirements

The specific conditions and regulations for storing human remains.

  1. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)
  2. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)

Subjective experience

An individual’s personal and unique perception of an event or situation.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Successor trustee

A person designated to take over as trustee of a trust after the original trustee’s death or incapacity.

  1. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)

Superstitions related to death and funerals

Beliefs or practices that are considered to bring good or bad luck in relation to death and funerals.

  1. Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)

Support groups

Groups of individuals who come together to provide mutual support and encouragement.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  2. Mortuary Science: Epitaph vs. Eulogy (Honoring the Deceased)
  3. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  4. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  5. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  6. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  7. How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  8. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
  9. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
  10. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  11. Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  12. What Types of Services Should I Outsource as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  13. What Strategies Can Morticians Use to Facilitate Respectful Interactions? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  14. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)

Support system

A network of people who provide emotional, physical, and/or financial support to an individual.

  1. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  2. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
  3. How Can I Develop My Grief Counseling Skills Through Active Listening? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Surviving family members

The family members who are left behind after the death of a loved one.

  1. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  2. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  3. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)

Sustainable alternatives

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)

Sustainable materials

Materials that are environmentally friendly and have a minimal impact on the planet.

  1. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  2. Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)

Sustained attention

The ability to maintain focus on a task or activity for an extended period of time.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Symbolic gesture

An action or object that represents a deeper meaning or sentiment.

  1. Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  2. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  3. How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Symbolic imagery or text

Images or words used to represent the deceased or their life.

  1. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Symbolic meaning

  1. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)

Symbolism in death portraits

The use of symbols and imagery in portraits of deceased individuals.

  1. Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)

Sympathy tokens

Small gifts or gestures of sympathy given to the family of a deceased individual.

  1. Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)

Synthetic fibers

Man-made fibers used in funeral fabrics.

  1. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)