Ever wondered what happens to your body after you die? A mortician has lifted the lid on the unsettling yet fascinating process, revealing the stark reality of decomposition and the steps taken to preserve the deceased.
The First 24 Hours
According to the expert, the body begins to change almost immediately after death. Within hours, blood starts to pool, causing a discolouration known as livor mortis. Meanwhile, rigor mortis sets in, stiffening the muscles.
The Decomposition Process
Decomposition kicks in quickly, especially in warmer climates. Bacteria in the gut start breaking down tissues, releasing gases that cause bloating. The skin may take on a greenish hue, and eventually, the body will begin to liquefy.
Embalming: Slowing Down Nature
To delay decomposition, morticians use embalming fluids. These chemicals replace blood and slow bacterial growth, giving families more time to say goodbye. However, this is only a temporary solution.
Burial vs. Cremation
Whether buried or cremated, the end result is the same—ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Burial allows for a slower return to the earth, while cremation speeds up the process, reducing the body to bone fragments in hours.
While the topic may be morbid, understanding what happens after death can bring a strange sense of closure—or at least satisfy morbid curiosity.
