The Dink Network

Hmm i disagree I think, in the old days it was the done thing to wash down the body - quite a group thing to do - like a huge mark of respect and something that was done with reverence and great pride in the task - it was done very very thoroughly - but they dont even do that nowdays when someone dies in the hospital, in fact i think you are lucky to get your dead hands and face washed.

So i would think it was the other way around The sheer thoroughness of the body cleaning back then couldn't have left as many organisms as we do with the lack of prep today. They were squeeky clean to be buried and the clothing was immaculately washed and ironed/pressed (also killing bacteria on the clothes).

and yes LOVE the hitch hikers guide hehe