Undertaking

Undertaking refers to the profession or business of preparing funerals, burial, or cremation, and making arrangements for the disposal of the dead. The term is most commonly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia, where it is also known as funeral directing. In the United States and Canada, the profession is more commonly referred to as funeral service.

History

The profession of undertaking has a long history, dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where embalming and other methods of preserving the dead were practiced. In the Middle Ages, the responsibility for the disposal of the dead often fell to the church or local communities. The modern profession of undertaking began to emerge in the 19th century, with the advent of public health legislation and the growth of urban populations.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of an undertaker, or funeral director, is to provide support and guidance to the bereaved, and to take care of the practical arrangements for the disposal of the dead. This can include arranging the collection and transportation of the body, preparing the body for viewing or burial, arranging the funeral service, and dealing with the necessary legal paperwork.

Undertakers may also provide additional services such as grief counseling, arranging floral tributes, and providing memorial items such as order of service sheets and thank you cards.

Training and Qualifications

In many countries, undertaking is a regulated profession, and undertakers are required to have specific training and qualifications. This can include a degree in funeral service or mortuary science, and practical experience in the field. In addition, undertakers must have a good understanding of the laws and regulations relating to the disposal of the dead, and must be able to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in dealing with the bereaved.

See Also

• Funeral
• Burial
• Cremation
• Embalming
• Mortuary science