National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day is a holiday that reminds all of us to give thanks to the funeral professionals who help us through the deaths of our friends and family members. Every day, these professionals do the hard work of preparing bodies so that families can mourn their passing.

This holiday is observed on March 11th each year and gives every one of us the opportunity to thank morticians and funeral directors for the services they perform—if not in person, then on social media.

The History of National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day

This holiday was first created in 2008 by the United States Congress, which designated March 11th as National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day. It has been observed every year ever since.

Interesting Facts About Morticians & Funeral Directors

Want some interesting mortician and funeral director facts? Of course, you do, and that’s why we’ve decided to list some below.

• Embalming is a practice that is at least 8,000 years old.
• However, modern embalming is attributed to Dr. Frederick Ruysch in the 17th century.
• Most dead bodies are picked up in minivans, not hearses. Hearses are ceremonial vehicles.
• Superglue can be used to close needle punctures on a corpse.
• Morticians are taught color theory and stage lighting so they can make a corpse look alive and natural.

Observing National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day

On this day, people can observe this holiday in numerous ways. First, they can send a thank you card or post a thank you message on social media to the funeral professionals who did a good job for their deceased family members. Another way to celebrate this holiday is to take a moment to recommend the services of a particular mortician or funeral director to their friends and family members.