Funeral Service Practice Exam

What became an occupational specialty practiced by women in many United States cities by the end of the 1700s, serving as a predecessor to the undertaker?

1. Mortician

2. Layers out of the dead

3. Embalmer

4. Gravedigger

The correct answer is: Layers out of the dead

The choice of "layers out of the dead" recognizes a historical role that involved preparing the deceased for burial, which was predominantly filled by women during the late 18th century. This practice included tasks such as washing the body, dressing it, and performing other preparatory rituals before burial. Understanding this context is essential because this occupation set the groundwork for what would evolve into professional funeral services. While morticians, embalmers, and gravediggers have specific roles that developed later, the concept of "layers out of the dead" encapsulates the early, more personal approach to dealing with the deceased, typically conducted within the community and often by female relatives or neighbors. This choice emphasizes the domestic and communal aspects of funeral practices during that era, contrasting with the more specialized, commercial responsibilities that would later characterize the professions of morticians and embalmers. Therefore, this historical perspective highlights the vital role that women played in the early stages of funeral service practices in the United States.