Embalming means treating a corpse in such a way as to preserve it, such as with chemicals, medicines, or balms; also, remember and ensure that it remains unchanged. A funeral is a ceremony that is often an opportunity where loved ones can say their final goodbyes and talk about the good times spent with the deceased person. In Egypt, embalming and funerals are combined to form an ancient custom that seems to amaze many. Egyptians believe that the dead should be treated with great care. They also believe that the way a person lives their life determines the quality of their life after death. Many difficult techniques were used to preserve the bodies of the dead, proving that the ancient Egyptians were actually very intelligent. Through these techniques, internal organs are removed and the body is dehydrated. Another part of their custom is the ceremony in which the body is buried and the living can bring charges against the dead. These accusations have the chance to change the outcome of the ceremony. Through the use of embalming and a well-thought-out ceremonial process, the Egyptians developed incredibly effective customs that help preserve and honor the dead. If there was a death in the royal family, the whole country mourned and all the temples were closed. A 72-day mourning period began. During these 72 days, there were no sacrifices or celebrations. People also did not consume wheat, meat, wine or delicacies and they did not use baths or ointments, lie on sofas or make love. Another custom involving 200 to 300 people is very unique; They put mud on their heads and clothes and went twice a day to sing in the streets to praise the dead. On the 72nd day of mourning, the coffin containing the now mother...... middle of paper...... EA Wallis. The Mummy: a story of the extraordinary practice of ancient Egypt. Avenel, New Jersey: Wings Books, 1989Bucaille, Maurice. Mummies of the Pharaohs: Modern Medical Investigations. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1990. "The Boy Behind the Mask: Scientists Reveal King Tut's Face to the Public." » WR News, Senior Edition (including Science Spin) 86.13 (December 7, 2007): 4(3). Student Resource Center-Bronze. Gale of wind. Hershey High School. March 15, 2009. National Geographic. "Egypt Facts, Egypt Travel Videos, Flags, Photos - National Geographic." Travel & Culture – Facts, Travel Videos, Flags, Photos – National Geographic. March 15, 2009. Marston, Wendy. “Making a modern mummy”. Discover March 2000: 70-75. March 15. 2009 .