In the first method of embalming, which step is deemed the most expensive?

The most expensive step in the first method of embalming is the application of bandage and spice. This aspect of the embalming process often requires a significant investment in materials and labor, as it involves wrapping the body in bandages and applying various spices or preservatives to enhance the preservation process and manage odors.

The use of spices not only serves a functional purpose by aiding in preservation but can also involve the use of specific, sometimes costly, compounds to create the desired effect. Additionally, the application process itself can be labor-intensive, further adding to its overall cost.

Understanding this step is crucial because it reflects the dual focus on both the practical aspects of preserving the body and the ceremonial elements that are often integral to the final presentation of the deceased during viewing or funeral services.

Other procedures, while important in the embalming process, do not typically carry the same financial weight. Evisceration involves the removal of internal organs, while immersion and the removal of the brain represent different approaches but do not usually incur costs as substantial as the careful application of bandages and spices.