Ewurabena Quartey, a manager at Jabez Dominic Funeral Home in Ghana, has shed light on the practice of knocking before entering a mortuary. According to Quartey, knocking is a deliberate act of respect for the deceased, similar to entering someone's room. This practice is an extension of basic human dignity, which does not cease even after death. Quartey's explanation provides insight into the unwritten codes of conduct that govern how morticians treat the deceased.
The practice of knocking before entering the mortuary is not just a habitual gesture, but a sign of respect for the deceased. Quartey compares it to last offices carried out by nurses and health practitioners in hospitals when a patient dies. Before morticians begin bathing or embalming a body, they speak directly to the deceased, requesting permission, even though no answer will come. This approach is similar to caring for a living person, especially one who is bedridden.
Quartey highlights the importance of verbal acknowledgement before beginning work on a deceased person. This serves as a reminder that what is seen in the mortuary stays there. Morticians often encounter scars, deformities, and physical details that the deceased would never have willingly revealed in life. A simple acknowledgement in the worker's mind helps to establish a quiet bond between the worker and the person in their care.
The practice of speaking to the deceased before touching or preparing the body is a crucial aspect of mortuary work. Quartey notes that this approach helps to maintain respect for the deceased, even in death. This ethos carries through the entire preparation process, from bathing and embalming to dressing and preparing the body for viewing.
Quartey's insights into mortuary work highlight the often-overlooked aspects of death care. The work of morticians is not just about preparing bodies for burial, but also about showing respect and dignity for the deceased. By speaking to the deceased and requesting permission, morticians acknowledge the person's autonomy and humanity, even in death.
The practice of knocking before entering a mortuary may seem unusual to some, but for morticians like Quartey, it is an essential part of their work. By maintaining respect and dignity for the deceased, morticians can provide comfort and closure for grieving families. Quartey's explanation provides a unique perspective on the often-misunderstood world of mortuary work.
The importance of respecting the deceased and their families cannot be overstated. Quartey's approach to mortuary work serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and empathy in death care. By prioritizing respect and dignity, morticians can provide a more meaningful and supportive experience for those coping with loss.
Key points
- Morticians knock before entering a mortuary as a sign of respect for the deceased.
- The practice of speaking to the deceased before touching or preparing the body helps to maintain respect and dignity.
- Morticians often encounter sensitive information, such as scars and deformities, and verbal acknowledgement helps to establish a quiet bond with the deceased.
