Glossary C
Cadaveric Spasm
A rare occurrence where a muscle group in a deceased person contracts and remains contracted.
Calcium influx
The movement of calcium ions into cells, which can occur during the process of rigor mortis.
Calcium ions
Charged particles of calcium that play a role in the decomposition process of a body.
Candle Lighting Ceremony/Vigil
A ceremony where candles are lit to honor and remember the deceased.
Carbon footprint
The amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by human activities, including funeral services.
Care and handling of funeral flowers
The proper treatment and arrangement of flowers used in funeral services.
Care instructions for maintaining the quality of the urn or cremation jewelry
Guidelines for maintaining the quality and appearance of urns or cremation jewelry.
Carrion insects
Carrion insects – Insects that feed on the flesh of dead animals, including human corpses.
Casket
Casket – A container used for holding the deceased’s remains during burial.
Casket alternative – An option that replaces traditional caskets with biodegradable containers made out of natural materials such as bamboo, wicker, or cardboard
Casket alternative – An eco-friendly option that replaces traditional caskets with biodegradable containers made out of natural materials.
Casket Carrying
Casket Carrying – The act of carrying a casket during a funeral service.
Casket/Coffin
Casket/Coffin – A container used for holding the deceased’s remains during burial.
Casket/Coffin Alternative Container
Casket/Coffin Alternative Container – A biodegradable container made of natural materials used as an alternative to traditional caskets.
Casket/Coffin/Urn
Casket/Coffin/Urn – A container used for holding the deceased’s remains during burial or cremation.
Casket construction materials
Casket construction materials – The materials used to construct a casket, such as wood, metal, or fiberglass.
Casketing
Casketing – The act of placing the deceased in a casket for burial.
Casketing procedures
Casketing procedures – The process of preparing the deceased for burial in a casket.
Casket Liners
Protective liners used to prevent leakage and preserve the casket.
Casket Linings
The interior lining of the casket.
Casket or container for cremation
A container used to hold the deceased during the cremation process.
Casket or container selection
Casket or container selection – The process of choosing a container for holding the deceased’s remains during burial or cremation.
Casket or urn bearer
A person who carries the casket or urn during a funeral or memorial service.
Casket prices (if applicable)
The cost of purchasing a casket for a deceased person’s burial or cremation.
Casket protection
Measures taken to protect the casket during transportation and burial.
Casket selection
Casket selection – The process of choosing a casket for a deceased loved one.
Casket Selection Guidance – Guiding family members on choosing appropriate caskets based on budget & preferences
Casket Selection Guidance – Professional advice given to family members on choosing an appropriate casket based on budget and preferences.
Casket sprays
Casket sprays – Floral arrangements placed on top of a casket during a funeral service.
Catacomb
Catacomb – An underground burial chamber or tomb.
Catholic Church
A Christian church that follows the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith.
Catholic Tradition
A set of religious beliefs and practices followed by the Catholic Church.
Cause of Death
Cause of Death – The medical reason for a person’s death.
Cause of death determination
Cause of death determination – The process of determining the medical reason for a person’s death.
Cavity embalming
Cavity embalming – The process of injecting embalming fluid into the body’s cavities to preserve the deceased.
Celebrating
Celebrating – The act of honoring and commemorating the life of a deceased loved one.
Celebration of Life
Celebration of Life – A funeral service that focuses on celebrating the life of the deceased rather than mourning their death.
Celebration of life ceremony
Celebration of life ceremony – A personalized funeral service that honors the life and legacy of the deceased.
Celebration of life through personalized urns
The use of personalized urns to celebrate the life and legacy of a deceased person.
Cellular structure
Cellular structure – The microscopic makeup of living organisms, including the human body.
Cemetery
Cemetery – A designated area of land used for burying the deceased.
Cemetery headstones selection
Cemetery headstones selection – The process of choosing and purchasing a headstone or grave marker for a deceased loved one.
Cemetery Liaison Officer
Cemetery Liaison Officer – A professional who coordinates with cemetery staff to ensure smooth funeral arrangements and burial procedures.
Cemetery location
The physical location of a cemetery or burial site.
Cemetery maintenance and upkeep
The maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery grounds and facilities.
Cemetery management
The administration and maintenance of a cemetery, including groundskeeping and record-keeping.
Cemetery/Mausoleum/Columbarium
Places where deceased bodies are interred or cremated remains are stored.
Cemetery monuments
Permanent markers or memorials placed at the site of a deceased person’s burial.
Cemetery or burial site
The location where a deceased body is interred or cremated remains are stored.
Cemetery plot costs (if applicable)
The expenses associated with purchasing a burial plot in a cemetery.
Cemetery plot/grave site
The specific location within a cemetery where a deceased body is buried.
Cemetery Plot/Niche/Wall Space
The designated area in a cemetery where a deceased body is interred or cremated remains are stored.
Cemetery plot ownership rights
The legal rights of an individual or family to own and maintain a cemetery plot.
Cemetery Plots
The designated area of land in a cemetery where a deceased body is buried.
Cemetery plot selection
The process of choosing a specific plot within a cemetery for a deceased loved one.
Cemetery Plotting
The process of mapping out cemetery plots and assigning them to individuals or families.
Cemetery regulations
Rules and regulations governing the operation and maintenance of a cemetery.
Cemetery regulations on monument types and sizes
Guidelines for the size and type of monuments allowed in a cemetery.
Cemetery regulations summary
A brief overview of the rules and regulations governing cemetery operations.
Cemetery rules and regulations
Guidelines and restrictions set by a cemetery regarding burials, grave markers, and other related matters.
Cemetery services
Services provided by a cemetery, such as burial or cremation arrangements, maintenance, and landscaping.
Cenotaph
A monument or marker erected in honor of a deceased person whose remains are elsewhere.
Centerpieces for visitation or reception areas
Decorative arrangements placed in the visitation or reception areas of a funeral home.
Ceremonies and rituals
Traditional or religious practices performed during a funeral or memorial service.
Ceremony
A formal event or ritual that is conducted to honor or commemorate a person or event.
Certified copies vs informational copies
Certified copies are legal documents while informational copies are not.
Certified copy
A legal document that is verified as a true and accurate copy of an original document.
Chain Of Custody
The documentation of the movement of a deceased body from the place of death to the funeral home and beyond.
Charitable contributions
Donations made to a charity or non-profit organization.
Charitable giving as a way to reduce inheritance taxes
Donating money or assets to a charity to reduce the amount of inheritance tax owed.
Chemical dyes
Used to restore natural skin color and tone to the deceased.
Chemical Preservation
The process of using chemicals to preserve a deceased body for viewing or burial.
Chemical preservatives
Chemicals used to delay the decomposition of a deceased body.
Chemicals
Substances used in the embalming process to preserve and disinfect the body.
Chemicals/preservatives
Substances used in the embalming process to preserve and disinfect a deceased person’s body.
Chemicals used in embalming
The process of changing negative thought patterns to improve mental health.
Chemicals used in the process
The mental process of acquiring, processing, and storing information.
Cherry wood
A type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Christian Burial
A burial ceremony that follows Christian traditions and beliefs.
Chronic sorrow
The specific chemicals used in the embalming process to preserve a deceased person’s body.
Church or place of worship
A religious building or location where funeral or memorial services may be held.
Church or religious organization
The substances used in the embalming process to preserve a deceased person’s body.
Civil War era mortuary photography
The practice of taking photographs of deceased soldiers during the American Civil War for identification and memorial purposes.
Clay
A material used in the process of body preparation for burial or cremation.
Clinical correlation
A type of wood commonly used in coffin and casket construction.
Closed Casket
A casket that is closed during a funeral or memorial service.
Close Friends
A long-term feeling of sadness and grief.
Clothing for the deceased
A place of worship or religious group involved in funeral services.
Clothing selection
The process of selecting clothing for a deceased person to wear during their burial or cremation.
Coffin
The relationship between clinical findings and a patient’s symptoms.
Coffin/Casket Selections
The process of choosing a coffin or casket for a deceased person’s burial or cremation.
Coffin design history
People who have a close relationship with the deceased person.
Coffin Drapes
Decorative fabric used to cover the coffin during the funeral service.
Coffin or casket selection
The clothing worn by a deceased person for burial or cremation.
Coffin Plates
Metal plates that are attached to the outside of a coffin or casket to display the name and other details of the deceased person.
Coffins/Caskets
Containers used to hold a deceased person’s body for burial or cremation.
Cognition
A container used to hold a deceased person’s body for burial or cremation.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
The mental process of acquiring, processing, and storing information.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
A variation in how individuals process information.
Cognitive load
The evolution of coffin design over time.
Cognitive neuroscience
The process of choosing a container for a deceased person’s body.
Cognitive processes
The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
Cognitive processing
The amount of mental effort required to complete a task.
Cognitive processing difference
The study of the biological processes underlying cognitive functions.
Cognitive Processing therapy (CPT)
A type of therapy that helps individuals process traumatic events and change negative thought patterns.
Cognitive restructuring
The mental processes involved in thinking, including perception, memory, and problem-solving.
Cold stiffening of muscles
The process of changing negative thought patterns to improve mental health.
Color meanings in different cultures
The significance of colors in funeral traditions across cultures.
Columbarium
A type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Columbarium- A structure designed specifically to store urns containing ashes
The stiffening of muscles that occurs after death due to a lack of oxygen and energy.
Columbarium- A structure with niches where urns containing ashes are stored
A structure that contains niches where urns containing ashes are stored.
Columbarium niche
A structure specifically designed to store urns containing ashes.
Columbarium niche- A space designed to hold urns containing cremated remains
A designated space within a columbarium used to hold urns containing cremated remains.
Columbarium niche placement
The location where an urn containing cremated remains is placed in a columbarium.
Columbarium plaque
A plaque or marker placed on a columbarium niche to identify the person whose remains are stored there.
Columbarium urn storage
A structure or room where urns containing cremated remains are stored.
Combustion chamber
The part of a cremation furnace where the body is incinerated.
Comforting reminders of loved one’s presence and legacy
Objects or mementos that provide comfort and serve as a reminder of a loved one’s life and legacy.
Comforting the bereaved
Providing emotional support and assistance to those who are grieving.
Comfort measures at the end of life
Palliative care provided to terminally ill patients to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
Comfort Measures Only (CMO) Orders
Medical orders that focus on providing comfort and relief to a dying person rather than prolonging life.
Comfort measures only orders (CMO)
Medical orders that focus on providing comfort and relieving pain rather than curing an illness.
Commemoration
The act of remembering and honoring a person or event.
Commemorative markers
Objects or structures used to commemorate a person or event.
Commemorative objects
Items that are created or purchased to honor and remember a deceased person, such as memorial plaques or jewelry.
Commemorative plaques differences
Differences in the design and materials used for commemorative plaques.
Commendation of the Dead
A religious service in which the deceased is commended to God’s care.
Committal service
A brief ceremony held at the gravesite or crematorium where the body is laid to rest.
Communal Cremations – Multiple bodies being processed at once in order to reduce costs
A cremation process where multiple bodies are cremated together to save money.
Communal Mourning
The shared expression of grief and mourning by a group of people.
Communication skills
The ability to effectively convey information and ideas to others.
Communication with families and authorities
The exchange of information between funeral directors, families, and government agencies involved in death-related matters.
Communication with Family Members about Ash Scattering Ceremony plans
The process of informing and discussing the details of an ash scattering ceremony with the family members of the deceased person.
Communication with family regarding expectations and logistics
Discussing funeral arrangements and logistics with the family of the deceased.
Communion Rite
A religious ceremony in which participants consume bread and wine as a symbol of Christ’s body and blood.
Community notification and involvement
The process of informing and involving the local community in funeral and burial arrangements.
Community outreach programs
Efforts to engage and educate the public about funeral and burial practices.
Community property states
States where marital property is considered equally owned by both spouses.
Compassion
A feeling of empathy and concern for the suffering of others.
Compassionate care
Providing care and support with empathy, kindness, and understanding.
Compliance inspections
Inspections to ensure compliance with funeral industry regulations.
Complicated grief
A prolonged and intense form of grief that can interfere with daily life and require professional help.
Complicated grief disorder (CGD)
A mental health condition characterized by intense and prolonged grief that interferes with daily functioning.
Concrete construction
The use of concrete in the construction of burial liners and caskets.
Concrete grave liner
A burial liner made of concrete.
Condolence Message
A message expressing sympathy and support for those who have lost a loved one.
Condolences
Expressions of sympathy and support for those who have lost a loved one.
Condolences and sympathy messages
Expressions of sympathy and support for those who have lost a loved one.
Confession
A statement of guilt or wrongdoing made by a person to a priest or other religious authority.
Consciousness
The state of being aware of one’s surroundings and able to think and perceive.
Consciousness distinction
The difference between being awake and aware versus being unconscious or in a coma.
Container for cremated remains
A receptacle used to hold the ashes of a deceased person after cremation.
Contingent beneficiary
A person or entity named as a backup beneficiary in case the primary beneficiary is unable to receive the assets.
Contrast
The difference between light and dark areas in a photograph or image.
Coordinating with cemetery or crematory staff
Collaborating with cemetery or crematory personnel to arrange burial or cremation services.
Coordination with clergy or celebrants
Working with religious leaders or non-religious celebrants to plan and conduct funeral services.
Coordination with clergy or officiant
The process of working with a religious leader or officiant to plan and conduct funeral services.
Coordination with funeral director or planner
The process of working with a funeral director or planner to arrange funeral services.
Coping mechanisms
Strategies used to manage grief and loss.
Coping strategies
Techniques and skills used to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions.
Copper
A type of metal used in the construction of caskets.
Copper casket
A casket made of copper.
Coroner
A government official responsible for investigating deaths and determining the cause of death.
Coroner system
A government agency responsible for investigating deaths and determining the cause of death.
Corrosion prevention
Measures taken to prevent the corrosion of burial liners and caskets.
Cosmetic application techniques
The methods used to apply makeup to the deceased.
Cosmetics
The use of makeup and other products to enhance the appearance of a deceased person.
Cosmetology
The application of makeup and other beauty treatments to the deceased.
Cost
The amount of money required to purchase or obtain a product or service.
Cost comparison
The process of comparing the prices of different funeral arrangements.
Cost comparison between facilities
The process of comparing the prices of different funeral homes or cremation facilities.
Cost considerations
The financial aspects of death and mourning, including funeral expenses.
Cost considerations for embalming services
The factors that affect the cost of embalming a body, such as the location, time, and complexity of the procedure.
Cost considerations for urns and cremation jewelry
Factors to consider when choosing urns or cremation jewelry, such as budget and quality.
Cost differences
The variation in price between different funeral homes or service providers.
Cost differences between embalming and cremation
The price variation between traditional embalming and cremation services.
Cost-effectiveness
The ability to achieve a desired outcome at a reasonable cost.
Cost factors
The various expenses associated with funeral arrangements.
Cost of different types of liners
The price differences between various types of burial liners.
Costs and fees
The charges associated with funeral services, including embalming, casket, and transportation.
Costs associated with Ash Scattering Ceremonies
The expenses related to organizing and conducting a ceremony for scattering the ashes of a deceased person.
Costs associated with exhumations and disinterments
The expenses related to the removal of a buried body or cremated remains from a grave or tomb.
Costs associated with urns or cremation jewelry
The expenses related to purchasing urns or cremation jewelry.
Counseling
Emotional support and guidance provided to the bereaved.
County clerk’s office
A government office responsible for maintaining public records, including death certificates.
Court order
A legal document issued by a court that requires a specific action or prohibits certain behavior.
Covering and sealing of the burial site
The process of covering and sealing a burial site to prevent water and debris from entering.
Creating a scholarship fund in memory of the deceased
A charitable fund established in honor of the deceased to support education.
Creative expression
The use of art, music, writing, or other forms of self-expression to promote emotional healing and personal growth.
Creditor
A person or organization to whom the deceased owed money.
Cremated remains disposition options
The ashes of a deceased body after the cremation process, which can be transported and disposed of in various ways.
Cremated remains transportation options
The various choices available to families regarding the cremation process, including the type of container and the disposition of the remains.
Cremation
The process of reducing the body to ashes through intense heat.
Cremation arrangement
The process of planning and organizing the cremation service.
Cremation art pieces
Artistic creations made from cremated remains.
Cremation ashes disposal
The process of scattering or interring the cremated remains.
Cremation authorization
Written permission from the legal next of kin or executor to proceed with the cremation.
Cremation caskets
Containers used to hold the body during the cremation process.
Cremation ceremony
A service or ritual held to honor and remember the deceased after their cremation.
Cremation certificate
A legal document that confirms the identity of the deceased and authorizes the cremation process.
Cremation jewelry
Jewelry made from the ashes of a deceased person after cremation.
Cremation memorials
Memorials created in honor of a deceased person whose remains have been cremated.
Cremation methods
The techniques and processes used in the cremation of a body.
Cremation options
The fees associated with the cremation process, including the use of the crematory and the preparation of the remains.
Cremation or burial preferences
The choice between cremation or burial as a method of disposition of one’s remains.
Cremation or reburial options
The choices available for the final disposition of a person’s remains.
Cremation plots
A designated area for the scattering or burial of cremated remains.
Cremation practices
The procedures and rituals involved in the cremation of a body.
Cremation preparation (if applicable)
The process of preparing a body for cremation.
Cremation pre-planning
The process of making arrangements for one’s own cremation prior to death.
Cremation procedure details
The specific details of the cremation process, including temperature, duration, and equipment used.
Cremation Procedures
The specific steps and protocols followed during the cremation process.
Cremation Process
The process of reducing a deceased person’s body to ash through heat processing methods.
Cremation Process Explanation
A description of the steps involved in cremation.
Cremation regulations
Laws and regulations governing the cremation process.
Cremation Services
Services provided by a funeral home or crematory facility for the cremation of a deceased person.
Cremation Technician
An individual responsible for preparing the body for cremation and operating the cremation equipment.
Cremation Urns
Containers used to hold the ashes of a deceased person after cremation.
Crematoriums
Facilities designed for the cremation of human remains.
Crematory fees
The beliefs and attitudes towards death and burial practices in different cultures and religions.
Crematory operations management
The management of the day-to-day operations of a crematory facility.
Crematory Operator- An individual responsible for operating equipment designed specifically for reducing human remains into ash through heat processing methods known as “Cremation”
An individual responsible for operating equipment designed specifically for reducing human remains into ash through heat processing methods known as “Cremation”.
Crematory retort
The furnace used for cremation.
Crime scene reconstruction
The process of recreating the events that led to a death in order to assist in the investigation and prosecution of a crime.
Crisis hotlines/helplines
Telephone services that provide support and assistance to individuals in crisis situations.
Crisis intervention
The immediate response to a crisis situation, such as a sudden death, to provide emotional support and assistance.
Cross arrangements
Floral arrangements in the shape of a cross, often used in Christian funeral services.
Crosses, crucifixes, or other religious symbols
Objects that represent religious beliefs and are often used in funeral services and memorials.
Cryonics (cryogenic preservation)
The process of freezing a deceased person’s body in the hope of future revival.
Crypt
A room or chamber used for the burial of human remains, typically located underground.
Cultural and Religious Beliefs
The set of principles and values that guide the beliefs and practices of a particular culture or religion related to death and dying.
Cultural and religious traditions
The customs and practices related to death and dying that are specific to a particular culture or religion.
Cultural and religious traditions reflected in design
The incorporation of cultural and religious symbols or motifs in urns or cremation jewelry.
Cultural attitudes towards death and burial practices
The need to respect and accommodate the cultural beliefs and practices of the deceased and their family.
Cultural attitudes towards death and dying
The beliefs and feelings of a particular culture towards death and the process of dying.
Cultural Considerations
The specific rituals and traditions associated with death and funeral services in a particular culture or religion.
Cultural customs
The traditional practices and behaviors of a particular culture related to death and dying.
Cultural Customs Impact
The influence of cultural customs on death and mourning practices.
Cultural differences in funeral practices
Funeral director – A professional who provides services related to death and funerals, including arranging and coordinating funeral services.
Cultural importance of grave markers
Cultural differences in funeral practices – Differences in funeral practices based on cultural and religious traditions.
Cultural norms
The accepted behaviors and beliefs of a particular culture or society.
Cultural practices
The customs and practices associated with death and funeral services in different cultures and religions.
Cultural preferences
Cultural importance of grave markers – The significance of grave markers in different cultures and religions.
Cultural/religious customs/traditions – Customs followed by different cultures and religions when it comes to funeral arrangements
Cultural traditions and customs – Customs and traditions related to death and funerals within a specific culture or community.
Cultural sensitivity
The awareness and understanding of cultural differences and practices.
Cultural sensitivity in bereavement care
The awareness and understanding of cultural differences and practices in providing bereavement care.
Cultural sensitivity in the funeral industry
The awareness and respect for cultural differences in funeral practices.
Cultural Traditions
Customs and practices related to death and funerals in different cultures.
Cultural traditions and beliefs
An early photographic process used to create images of the deceased for memorial purposes.
Cultural traditions and customs
Cultural preferences – Personal preferences related to death and funerals based on cultural background.
Cultural variations in funeral fabric traditions
Differences in funeral garment traditions across cultures.
Customized burial containers
Cultural/religious customs/traditions – Customs followed by different cultures and religions when it comes to funeral arrangements.
Customized designs
The option to create unique and personalized urns or cremation jewelry.
Customized memorial options
Customized burial containers – Personalized containers for burying a deceased person.
Customs
The traditional practices and beliefs of a particular culture or society.
Cytology
Customized memorial options – Personalized options for memorializing a deceased person.