The use of spices and perfumes on dead bodies to minimize putrefaction was such an ordinary ritual that the English word "embalming" originally meant “to put on balm.”

The funeral service industry makes a significant economic impact with revenue up to $11 billion in the U.S. every year.

The first crematorium was built in 1876. Fifty years later in 1913, the Cremation Association of America was founded.

Cremation is a growing trend. The expected cremation rate in the U.S. for 2010 is 39 percent and in 2025, it is expected to grow to 59 percent.

Korea has the highest suicide rate among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries.

Last year, there were 12,174 suicides, which is an average of 33 people killing themselves daily.

Roughly 25 to 50 percent of suicide victims have previously attempted to kill themselves.
Professional mourners can be seen in the Hindu religion, as well as in the ancient Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern cultures.