Why Do People Delay Burial Until Spring?

Living in Central Ontario, I've noticed something peculiar about local cemeteries. While many larger towns and cities offer year-round funeral services, smaller centers often close their cemeteries during the winter months. These closures usually occur due to frozen ground and snow-covered roads, making it challenging to conduct burial services. A friend once shared that he had to return in the spring for his loved one's graveside service, which led me to wonder about what happens to bodies during these winter months when burials aren't feasible.

My curiosity led me to investigate further. I discovered that many cemeteries have on-site mortuary buildings, which were constructed over a century ago. These facilities, initially used for coffin storage and services, now serve as temporary holding areas for bodies when burials can't take place. It was quite shocking to find out that dead bodies are kept in these buildings until the spring season.

The Role of Embalming and Temperature

Embalming plays a critical role in allowing families to delay the burial of a loved one. The process involves preserving the body with chemical solutions, which can extend the period during which a body remains in an acceptable condition for viewing and viewing ceremonies. By storing the body in a cool, controlled environment, families can arrange the funeral at their convenience, without rushing to a hasty interment.

After my father passed away, we faced a similar situation. My brother was on a trip, and it took him several days to return due to changing flights and delayed contact. During this period, the funeral home embalmed the body and kept it in a cool storage area until the funeral could be arranged. In our case, the funeral was delayed by nine days, allowing my brother sufficient time to return and pay his last respects.

Global Family Connections and Funeral Arrangements

Another common reason for the delay in burial is the global nature of today's families. With loved ones scattered across the world, it's not uncommon for a significant delay in funeral arrangements due to travel and communication issues. For instance, if a family member is traveling or living abroad, it might take several days or even weeks to coordinate the funeral and burial. Until then, the body is kept in a safe and properly refrigerated environment until the service can be held.

Moving bodies, even once, is a complex procedure. Given that the funeral home must handle and transport the body to the cemetery, it's far more practical to delay the burial and funeral process. This way, the family can ensure a proper and dignified send-off, regardless of the geographical challenges they face.

Practical Considerations for Delaying Burial

It's important to note that the decision to delay the burial is not taken lightly. Embalming and cool storage are preventive measures to maintain the body's condition over extended periods. However, there are also practical considerations such as the legal requirements and the mental and emotional well-being of the family.

Legally, many areas have specific regulations regarding the storage of bodies. Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial. Additionally, the psychological impact on the grieving family must be considered. Delaying the burial can provide families with valuable time to mourn and process their loss, which is often essential for emotional healing.

In conclusion, while the winter months in Canada may pose challenges for burials, the use of embalming and controlled storage environments allows families to delay the funeral process. This practice ensures that the funeral can be conducted in a manner that respects the deceased and offers comfort to the grieving family. Whether it's due to weather conditions, global family connections, or legal requirements, delaying burial is a multifaceted decision that balances logistical, emotional, and cultural considerations.