Have you ever walked into a room full of people and felt like you’re the only one who didn’t get the memo? That’s how I felt when I recently came across the term ‘Kenning Body Warden’. My first thought was, what the heck is that?! So, I did what any self-respecting person would do – I turned to Google. After a few clicks and a lot of reading, I finally found out what Kenning Body Warden means. And let me tell you, it’s not what I expected.
So, What Exactly is a Kenning Body Warden?
A Kenning Body Warden is a person who oversees the storage and maintenance of dead bodies in a morgue or mortuary. It sounds simple enough, right? But the term ‘Kenning Body Warden’ is not widely used and can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with it. In fact, I’m willing to bet that most people have never heard of it before.
To understand why this job title is so obscure, we need to take a trip back in time. Back in the day, bodies were stored in a place called a kenning. A kenning was a small room or cupboard where corpses were kept until they were buried or cremated. The person in charge of the kenning was called a Kenning-keeper. Over time, this term evolved into Kenning Body Warden, and the job title stuck.
The Role of a Kenning Body Warden
So, what exactly does a Kenning Body Warden do? Well, their primary responsibility is to ensure that the bodies in their care are properly stored and maintained. This includes everything from monitoring the temperature and humidity levels in the morgue to performing basic embalming procedures. They also coordinate with other professionals, such as funeral directors and medical examiners, to ensure that all necessary paperwork and procedures are followed.
One aspect of the job that many people don’t consider is the emotional toll it can take on a person. Dealing with death and grieving families on a daily basis can be challenging, to say the least. Kenning Body Wardens are trained to handle these situations with empathy and professionalism, but it’s not always easy.
How to Become a Kenning Body Warden
If you’re still with me and thinking that this might be the career for you, here’s what you need to know. First, you’ll need to obtain a degree in Mortuary Science. This typically takes about two to four years to complete, depending on the program. Once you have your degree, you’ll need to pass a certification exam and obtain a state license.
It’s worth noting that becoming a Kenning Body Warden is not for everyone. The job requires a strong stomach and a willingness to work with death on a daily basis. But for those who are passionate about helping families through the grieving process and ensuring that their loved ones are cared for with dignity and respect, it can be a very fulfilling career.
Interesting Facts About Kenning Body Wardens
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some interesting facts about Kenning Body Wardens that you might not know:
- The origin of the word “kenning” comes from the Old Norse word “kenna,” which means “to know.”
- In some cultures, such as the Maori of New Zealand, bodies are traditionally stored in the family home for several days before burial or cremation.
- Embalming dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used to preserve bodies for the afterlife.
- In the United States, the practice of embalming became common during the Civil War, when soldiers were transported long distances for burial.
The Future of Kenning Body Wardens
As with many professions, the role of Kenning Body Warden is evolving. Advances in technology have led to new methods of body preservation and storage, such as cryonics and alkaline hydrolysis. These methods are still controversial and not widely used, but they do represent a shift in the way we think about death and the afterlife.
Despite these changes, the need for Kenning Body Wardens will always exist. As long as death is a part of life, there will always be a need for people who are dedicated to caring for the deceased with dignity and respect.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – everything you ever wanted to know (and probably more) about Kenning Body Wardens. It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s an important one. These unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that families can say goodbye to their loved ones in a way that honors their memory.
I’ll leave you with this quote from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Kenning Body Wardens may not be remembered for their job title, but they will certainly be remembered for the care and compassion they bring to their work.
| Kenning Body Warden Responsibilities |
|---|
| Oversee storage of deceased bodies |
| Monitor temperature and humidity levels in morgue |
| Perform basic embalming procedures |
| Coordinate with medical professionals |
Pros of a Kenning Body Warden
- Fulfilling career for those passionate about helping families through the grieving process
- Important role in ensuring that the deceased are cared for with dignity and respect
Cons of a Kenning Body Warden
- Dealing with death and grieving families on a daily basis can be challenging
- Requires a strong stomach and emotional fortitude
- National Funeral Directors Association. (n.d.). Mortuary Science Education. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://www.nfda.org/licensing-education/mortuary-science-education
- National Funeral Directors Association. (n.d.). Job Descriptions. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://www.nfda.org/resources/careers-in-funeral-service/job-descriptions
- Study.com. (n.d.). How to Become a Morgue Attendant: Career Guide. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Morgue_Attendant_Career_Guide.html