Setting the features 2797428 167977666 2007-10-30T00:44:48Z Kencf0618 940017 Style. '''Setting the features''' is a [[mortuary]] term that refers to the closing of the eyes and the mouth of a deceased person (and in the case of males, the shaving of any stubble) such that the [[cadaver]] is presentable as being in a state of rest and repose, and thus suitable for [[viewing (funeral)|viewing]]. (While it is one of the first stages of [[embalming]], it also is done as a token of respect even when the deceased is not viewed or is directly [[cremation|cremated]].) Only when the deceased (or their family) have specifically requested the body be untouched are the features left unset. Some embalmers, particularly older practitioners and those trained in the [[United Kingdom]], will set features after the arterial injection phase of embalming is complete. == References == * Frederick, L.G. & Strub, Clarence. The Principles and Practice of Embalming (Fifth Edition) Professional Training Schools Inc & Robertine Frederick. 1989 * Mayer, Robert G. Embalming: History, Theory and Practice. Appleton & Lange. 1990 [[Category:Death customs]] {{death-stub}}