Mortuary: meaning, definitions and examples
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mortuary
[ˈmɔːr.tʃuː.ɛri ]
Definition
place of burial
A mortuary is a facility where deceased bodies are prepared for burial or cremation. It is commonly associated with funerals and is often part of a funeral home. The services provided may include embalming, dressing, and casketing the deceased. Mortuaries also provide a space for viewing the body by family and friends. In some cases, they may assist with arrangements and paperwork for the burial or cremation process.
Synonyms
crematory, funeral establishment, funeral home, undertaking parlor.
Examples of usage
- The mortuary has several viewing rooms for grieving families.
- We need to make arrangements with the local mortuary for the service.
- She worked in the mortuary and helped prepare for funerals.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'mortuary' comes from the Latin 'mortuus,' which means 'dead.'
- It evolved into Middle English as 'mortuarie' before becoming our modern term.
- Originally, the term related to rites for the dead, highlighting the connection between the word and the practices surrounding death.
Cultural Practices
- Many cultures have specific rituals and practices related to death, such as mourning periods and ceremonies that take place in a mortuary.
- In some cultures, the body is kept in the mortuary for several days to allow family members to say their goodbyes.
- The layout and decor of mortuaries vary widely around the world, reflecting local customs and traditions in dealing with death.
Funeral Industry
- Mortuaries are a critical part of the funeral industry, providing services that include embalming, preparation of the body, and organization of the funeral.
- Some mortuaries offer grief counseling services to help families cope with their loss.
- Technological advancements have led to modern mortuaries incorporating electronic record-keeping and online memorial services.
Psychology
- Being in a mortuary can provoke strong emotional reactions, including grief, sadness, and sometimes even fear, reflecting societal attitudes towards death.
- Studies show that discussing death openly can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with it, highlighting the importance of services provided at a mortuary.
- Mortuaries often serve as places for closure, allowing individuals a space to process their emotions surrounding death.
Historical Perspectives
- In ancient societies, it was common for bodies to be kept in the home before burial, a practice that has transformed into dedicated mortuary spaces.
- The development of mortuaries reflects changing attitudes towards death and burial, moving from family-driven practices to more professionalized care.
- Historically, many mortuaries were attached to churches, emphasizing the spiritual aspects of managing death and the afterlife.
Translations
Translations of the word "mortuary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 morgue
🇮🇳 मॉर्चरी
🇩🇪 Leichenschauhaus
🇮🇩 rumah duka
🇺🇦 морг
🇵🇱 kostnica
🇯🇵 霊安室
🇫🇷 morgue
🇪🇸 morgue
🇹🇷 cenaze evi
🇰🇷 장례식장
🇸🇦 مشرحة
🇨🇿 morg
🇸🇰 morg
🇨🇳 停尸房
🇸🇮 mrliška
🇮🇸 kistuhús
🇰🇿 мортуарий
🇬🇪 მორგი
🇦🇿 morg
🇲🇽 morgue