Funeral History:

My father and I paid a visit to the National Museum of Funeral History. Despite the dismal impression associated with the name of this museum, it was actually an immensely enjoyable place to visit. My dad and I spent about 3 hours there and we had a lot of fun. I highly suggest this museum to all! For a small idea of what you can expect if you were to visit this museum following is a quick overview of the exhibits this museum has to offer. 

The Hall of Hearses:

                This cart was used for early railroad transportation of coffins . 

The Presidential Hearse...

This is the actual hearse that carried Princess Grace Kelly's body!!!!

                                                

                               
                              
                                                The History of Embalming:

 This is a look at a 19th century embalming room. 

                                                           Interesting Caskets: 
                                            

 Snow White's casket. 

Ever wondered about the origin of calling someone a "basket case?"  Well here it is! The original basket case! During the Civil War soldiers with amputated legs were carried around in baskets and called "basket cases." Additionally those deceased were carried from their place of death in wicker baskets such as this one. Maybe  now you'll think twice before you label someone a "basket case"

Here is a set of funky caskets designed by a special artist. These caskets just show how much things have changed throughout the history of funerals. 

The Pope 

This special exhibit was dedicated to the Pope. It contained amazingly elaborate sets! I felt like I was walking through a monastery with the winding halls and haunting choral music throughout the exhibit. I also learned a lot about the pope that I had never before considered. 

                                    Random Fun Finds ^-^:

Creepy....

I learn a lot about the history of Funerals by exploring the museum, and the experience brought to my mind one thought: everyone dies eventually. Although this is quite a mournful thought,  it is one of the basic facts of life. Death is inevitable, and because all people die, all people must therefore be buried, thus funerals were invented. For as long as the concept of death has existed, some form of funerals has been preformed.  It is surprising however, that the event we now picture as a funeral is relatively new.   In about the 1800’s today’s concept of funerals started to take shape. People began opening shops selling custom caskets, and funeral homes came into being. For those that could not afford a funeral home, funerals of loved ones were held right in their own homes. The process of Embalming also became popular during this time, and was even used on the battle field during the American Civil war.  A book was also published during this time that defined when someone was really dead, and described the symptoms of death. Hearses used to transport bodies at this time, were horse drawn carriages, and when bodies needed to be transported long distances, casket carrying carts were attached to train cars for transportation by railway. The body of President Abraham Lincoln was the first president’s body to be transported by train, and his transportation across the U.S. created one of the longest funeral processions in history.   Funerals have come a long way over the last hundred years.  Horse drawn hearses have long since been replaced by sleek black automobiles, and funerals have taken on many new modern aspects. But despite the way funerals have changed over the years they are, and always will be memorials to the memory of those we love. 

After my visit  to the museum I really started thinking about my own Funeral. Life is unpredictable and you never know what tomorrow will hold. I decided that it would be a good idea to make an end of life plan for myself . I started by asking myself some hard Questions like: where do I want to be buried? Do I want to be cremated? Would I like an open or closed casket funeral? Do I want to be put on life support?  I have never before realized all the important decisions that have to be made before I die. After considering my options I answered the questions one by one. Firstly, I would like to be buried in my families burial plot. My dad's side of the family the Royalties, have a section of a graveyard in Lake Jackson Texas. Both my grandparents and great grandparents are buried there and I would like to be as well.  I would  also like for my body to be in a casket and put into the ground. The idea of cremation makes me cringe, but I also don't want an open casket. I don't want my family to see me all pale and dead. To me, there is no point in living people viewing the dead. Also, I wouldn't like my friends and family to see me looking so pale and lifeless.  I believe that once I am dead my body means nothing, I believe that my spirit will join Jesus in heaven. One of the hardest decisions to make is whether or not I want to be put on life support, and I have decided that I don't want to be. It is human nature to attempt to keep people alive as long as possible, but  for me I don't think that life support is really living. If I am sick enough to die, then I want to die. I know that might sound morbid but that is the way I feel. I know that life is fleeting and that everyday is a gift. All I want is to simply live my life while I can and when it's time for me to head home to heaven, I'm ready to get up and go! 

The END.