A bit morbid here but... burning bodies

[rednight94]

Does it have a metallic smell to it, if anybody knows? I just read that it does due to the iron in our blood. How much truth is there to that, though?
I ask because I've ALWAYS hated the smell of metal. So much to point that I don't even like holding change because I know my hands will have that smell afterwards.

[eiszeit]

Honestly, I don't know if it smells like metal but... this answers a lot of questions if it does.

I hate holding change, I hate the really coppery scent of pennies. I've heard the scent of blood being described as smelling like pennies and gasoline. I had this necklace with three keys on it, and when I accidentally got it wet it began to absolutely reek of that disgusting, sharp metallic scent. It got to the point where I had to take it off and put it in a drawer. And then my neck and hands smelled of it and I had to go take a shower to get rid of it. And even THEN I couldn't seem to wash it off!

Uuurgggh. I hate that smell so, so much. ><; I feel sick just thinking about it.

[doctorwhat]

huh. i never thought about it before. i've never smelled a burning body before.

but i cant stand the smell of blood. i had lip pierced, and it gushed blood. so i had the combo of the smell and taste of blood, which tasted like metal. like you both, i cant stand the smell of wet metal, either. i always hated counting change when i worked at restaurants because the smell of the metal never would come off my hands. it made me sick to my stomach

[rednight94]

Makes you wonder if most people hate the smell or not...?

[Storm]

I, too, hate the smell of copper change. In fact, if there is no charity box around I have been known to throw it away or refuse it from shops and leave the money behind, rather than have that smell in my designer purse, lol.

But then I rather hate paper money too, that also smells, though not so much. I am one of those who is actively looking forward to a cashless society and only uses my debit card or bank transfer in every day life. I do most of my shopping online too.

As for burning bodies, our county crem does not smell too bad, so I am told. Though I bet they have modern filters on them now and of course burning bodies in pits in the open would be very pungent. I wonder if Hindus could tell us? They often have outdoor funeral pyres in India, so I am told.

I love the metallic taste of my own blood. I am not a blood vampire though, lol, and would not wish to taste someone elses, uh!

But the smell of copper money is absolutely gross and I would rather they just got rid of it. I am not sure that my dislike of the smell is connected to burning bodies as I do not think I smelled that back then. But I would be interetsed to know if your idea about the metallic smell is correct.

edit

Just remembered that my Granmother's Aunt worked at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead during the war. she was in charge of the incinerator and used to joke about "Mutton for dinner" when they burned the amputated limbs. So, I guess it may smell of mutton?! I am so glad I am a vegetarian!

[Laurasia]

Hi Rednight94.

Does a burning body smell coppery? No, I don't believe that it does. From what I've heard, & recalled, it smells more like stinking meat being barbecued for far too long. Some say beef, some say pork, & (according to SS3's aunt) some say mutton. (I guess exactly what type of meat it smells like would depend on different factors such as the person's body fat content, the person's particular sense of smell, etc.)

I guess it wouldn't smell so nasty if a body were "prepared" for burning like the meat that we all typically barbecue is. I mean we do not barbecue whole animals. The organs &, most importantly, the digestive tract is not cooked. With a body that just isn't the case so all sorts of nasty smells come up....no pun intented.

As for the coppery smell of blood....oh I know that one all too well. It doesn't bother me all that much though. It's not themost pleasant of smells to be sure, but I can handle it. And the smell of coin money has never bothered me. Large amounts of blood create that overpowering coppery smell that you are talking about though Rednight94.

I would think that fire would burn through the blood rather quickly though, so you would be left more with the smell of the burning fat & muscle tissues. Muscle tissue takes quite a bit to burn through after all, so the smell of that would be the most pervasive I would think.

Sincerely,
Laurasia

[rednight94]

Laurasia,

Thanks for that information! Yeah, I'm just guessing me not liking that particular smell is because I don't like that particular smell!

[Iseke]

I have never had an issue with the smell or taste of copper, metal, or blood (the sight of blood is another matter!). Interesting that so many people do, especially considering that I may have had quite a bit of contact with the crematoriums...