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April 10, 2006
Not Even Wakes Are Sacred to Eurocrats
Posted by Dave Blount at April 10, 2006 9:32 PM
The Irish wake could soon pass away, thanks to formaldehyde having been found politically incorrect by EU bureaucrats.
Wakes have been part of Irish culture for centuries. They entail exposing the departed in an open coffin while mourners mix grieving with festivities meant to celebrate a life well lived.
An edict issued by EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas would restrict chemicals used in embalming, which presumably would be harmful were a spotted owl to break into the funeral home and start drinking them. But as the Irish Association of Funeral Directors points out:
Viewing the deceased is part of Irish culture and it is recognised that such practice is an important part of bringing closure to bereavement, and ample evidence from psychologists exists to back this up.
Embalmers may plead for an exception on the grounds of protection of cultural heritage. Things have come to a pretty pass when the Irish need to beg permission from useless paper-pushers in Brussels to mourn their dead as they see fit.
Hat tip: William
