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Glossary Z

Zoning laws Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices) Zoroastrianism Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)

Glossary W

Wake Wake – A gathering of family and friends to pay respects to the deceased before the funeral service. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)… Read More »Glossary W

Glossary V

Vault Urns and cremains storage options – Various options for storing cremated remains, including urns, vaults, and scattering. Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)… Read More »Glossary V

Glossary U

Ultrasonography Trusts – Legal arrangements that allow assets to be managed and distributed according to the wishes of the deceased. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy… Read More »Glossary U

Glossary T

Taboos surrounding death and dying Cultural beliefs and practices that are considered inappropriate or disrespectful in relation to death and dying. Open Casket vs. Closed… Read More »Glossary T

Glossary S

Sacramental Services Religious services performed by a priest or other spiritual leader. Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services) Sacraments Religious rites or… Read More »Glossary S

Glossary R

Radiography The process of creating images of the internal structures of the body using X-rays or other forms of radiation. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy… Read More »Glossary R

Glossary Q

Quality control measures Procedures and processes used to ensure that products or services meet certain standards of quality. Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)… Read More »Glossary Q

Glossary P

Pall A cloth covering placed over a casket during a funeral service. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics) Pallbearers Pallbearer Coordination – The process… Read More »Glossary P

Glossary O

Obituary See #7. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences) Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased) What Types of Services Should… Read More »Glossary O

Glossary N

Narrative therapy A type of therapy that helps individuals reframe their life story and find new meaning and purpose. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support… Read More »Glossary N

Glossary M

Mahogany A type of wood commonly used for caskets and other funeral-related items. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters) Maintaining facilities, equipment, and… Read More »Glossary M

Glossary L

Laminate Laminate – A protective coating applied to documents or photographs to preserve them. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters) Landfill waste The… Read More »Glossary L

Glossary K

Keepsake jewelry Keepsake jewelry – Jewelry designed to hold a small amount of the deceased’s ashes or hair as a keepsake. Mortuary Science: Death Mask… Read More »Glossary K

Glossary J

Jainism Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices) Journaling Writing down thoughts and emotions to help process and reflect on experiences. Understanding Grief Counseling vs.… Read More »Glossary J

Glossary I

Identification process The process of identifying a deceased person’s body through various means, such as fingerprints or dental records. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service… Read More »Glossary I

Glossary H

Habitat destruction Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices) Hair styling Preparing the hair of the deceased for viewing. Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing… Read More »Glossary H

Glossary G

Garden stone Garden stone – A decorative stone used in landscaping or as a memorial marker. Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types) Genealogy… Read More »Glossary G

Glossary F

Fabric dyes Substances used to color fabrics, such as natural dyes from plants or synthetic dyes. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics) Fabric softeners… Read More »Glossary F

Glossary E

Eco-friendly Practices that minimize harm to the environment. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics) Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place) Mortuary… Read More »Glossary E

Glossary D

Daguerreotype process A legal document issued by authorities certifying the fact, date, and cause of someone’s death. Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)… Read More »Glossary D

Glossary C

Cadaveric Spasm A rare occurrence where a muscle group in a deceased person contracts and remains contracted. Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem… Read More »Glossary C

Glossary B

Bargaining Balloon Release/Sky Lanterns/Light Show – A symbolic gesture of releasing balloons, sky lanterns, or lighting candles to honor a loved one’s memory. Understanding Mourning… Read More »Glossary B

Glossary A

Above-ground burials Burials in which the casket or urn is placed above ground, often in a mausoleum or columbarium. Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial… Read More »Glossary A