The Unheralded Women of Deathcare: A History of Funerals

Death, while universal, carries with it a vast array of traditions and rituals influenced by culture, religion, and the ever-shifting tides of time. One constant, however, has been the profound role women have played in the care of the dead.From ancient priestesses and shrouded women to pioneers of today's increasingly personalized funerals, women's contributions have shaped the deathcare journey across the globe.

Ancient Times: Women Centered in the Journey

Think of ancient civilizations, and the intricate preparation of the body for the afterlife often comes to mind. Let's focus on a few illuminating examples:

• Egypt's Rituals: Egyptian women weren't simply left to mourn; they actively participated in funerary rites. Female mourners with their ritualized wailing were central to processions. Priestesses of deities like Isis and Nephthys held powerful roles in preparing the body and ensuring essential rituals for the deceased's journey to the afterlife.
• The Women of Greece and Rome: The tasks of washing, anointing with oils, dressing, and adorning the deceased were traditionally conducted by women of the household. This wasn't merely a practical act—it embodied respect,love, and the sacred bond of family duty.

Across numerous cultures, women held a clear domain over the physical and spiritual preparation of the dead. Their role extended from being the primary caregivers to the dying to leading rituals that ensured a peaceful transition to whatever awaited beyond this life.

Middle Ages & Beyond: Religion Reshapes Ritual

As Christianity spread across Europe, beliefs about the afterlife strongly influenced funerary practices. Women's roles remained essential, though transformed through a religious lens.

• Community and Caretaking: The community-centered approach to death was particularly significant for women.Beyond preparing the body – a task still largely performed by women – they would take the lead in providing support during the wake, preparing funeral meals, and offering their ongoing comfort and presence to the bereaved.
• Spiritual Significance The act of washing and dressing the dead wasn't just about physical hygiene. It gained a spiritual dimension, a final cleansing of the body for its journey to heaven. Women thus became guardians of this transition, their nurturing touch taking on even deeper significance.

The Shift: Undertakers and the Rise of Professionalism

From the 17th century onwards, a gradual but profound shift began – the emergence of the "undertaker." What's important to understand is that this began not as a standalone profession but as a side-business. Often, coffin-making was handled by furniture makers or carpenters, who then took on some of the additional funeral arrangements. Over time, this role evolved into something more distinct from other trades.

Several factors fueled the subsequent transformation of deathcare into a largely male-dominated industry:

• Urbanization's Impact: As populations moved away from tight-knit villages toward bustling cities, death became less of a home-based event. Families were often less equipped or inclined to handle what were often elaborate and labor-intensive funeral preparations.
• Sensibilities Shift: Victorian-era notions of propriety influenced perceptions of what was considered "appropriate" work for women. The physicality of handling the dead began to be seen as too unrefined for female sensibilities.
• Deathcare as Business: Funerals weren't just about rituals, they became a commercialized service. This followed a common trend where professionalization largely favored men as business owners and managers.

Women Fight Back But Lose Ground

This is not to say women passively ceded their roles. Some became proficient embalmers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pushing back against the 'male-only' professionalization of the industry. However, societal pressures, evolving sensibilities, and increasing commercialization gradually solidified funeral services as a male sphere.

Modern Day: A Resurgence of Women in Deathcare

The good news is that in recent times, women have begun to reclaim their place in deathcare. It's important to note that this isn't some throwback to older traditions; it's a conscious movement where women are taking agency and driving change: