What is the primary purpose of embalming according to funeral laws?

The primary purpose of embalming, as outlined in funeral laws, is to temporarily preserve the body for viewing. This practice allows families and friends to view the deceased in a respectful and dignified manner, ensuring that the body remains in as natural a state as possible during the period leading up to the funeral service. Embalming slows down the natural decomposition process, which is particularly important in situations where there may be a delay between death and the funeral ceremony or burial.

While enhancing the appearance of the body for burial can also be a component of embalming, the key focus in the context of funeral laws is on preservation for viewing. This ensures that the deceased can be honored in a way that is meaningful to loved ones, maintaining the integrity of the body during this critical time. Compliance with legal regulations for transportation and preparing the body for cremation are often secondary considerations and not the primary focus of embalming itself.