10 Things That Happen To Your Body After You Die

5. Embalming #2: A Helping Hand

As sensitive, 21st century types, we like our dead people to look more like sleeping people, so they need a bit of a helping hand.

The embalming fluid will give colour and help "plump" them up a bit (although this is not a recommended anti-wrinkle treatment). The nose and mouth are usually packed with cotton wool to prevent, er, seepage, and then the mouth is either stitched or glued closed.

If there are any wounds on the skin (or sometimes if not), a plastic suit will be worn under the deceased's clothes to protect them from and fluids that might come out. Little plastic cups are inserted under the eyelids to prevent them from looking sunken and hollow and the eyes need to be dried to prevent the possibility that it might "cry" (which is not only creepy beyond all reason, but distressing for the family).

Make up is applied to get rid of the "waxy" look and ensure that the deceased looks how they would have done in life. Nails are trimmed and men will be given a shave as the skin tends to retract after death, making it appear as though hair an nails are growing. The hair is washed and every attempt will be made to arrange the face into a "peaceful" expression.