What You Should Know About the Different Kinds of Coffins
No matter how hard you try to prevent it, the passing of people close to you is inevitable. Death is a reality that needs to be faced with an open heart and mind. It’s something that will surprise us at the most unexpected of times. Otherwise, we will live with grief and anxiety if we don’t accept this part of life. But before this dreaded moment unfolds your very eyes, it helps to know the different aspects of handling a funeral. There are so many things you need to be familiar with, such as the customs and intricacies of a Catholic funeral service. Among the many elements of a funeral is a coffin.
Basically, a coffin is kind of box used to keep a corpse during for burial or cremation purposes. The earliest coffin recorded in human history was found in Ancient China at around 5,000 BC. Over the years, different countries have practiced all sorts of funeral customs for their dearly departed. The most common these days is to obtain a coffin so those close to the deceased can properly pay their respects.
The difference between a coffin and casket
Most people would use the terms coffin and casket as if they are one. The truth of the matter is, they are different from one another. Caskets typically have four sides and they resemble a rectangle. On the other hand, coffins possess six sides. No matter what their distinction may be, a coffin and a casket generally fulfill the same role – containing the body of the dearly departed in a safe and appropriate manner for their loved ones and friends to view in.
Coffins made from wood
The most common of all coffin types are those made from wood. Wooden coffins are known to be lightweight, affordable, and easy to manufacture. In a way, they are also durable and present good value to whoever purchases them. These coffins often have a lip at the top and handles at the side for people to easily carry them.
Coffins under this category are usually made from new or recycled wood. The most popular examples out there use walnut, mahogany, oak, pine, veener, and poplar, among others. They are coated with a water-based lacquer finish to make them look more presentable. There are no toxins on this coffin type when the coating has dried off. This means you won’t worry about this kind of coffin if you’re planning to cremate your dearly departed because the act itself won’t be harmful to the environment. It’s also safe for burial too because wood coffins won’t affect the eco-system around it.
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Coffins constructed from cardboard
There are cardboard coffins available if you want something out of the ordinary. These coffins are built specifically for the purpose of cremation due to the ease of this material to burn. They are very economical and safe for the environment.
If you want to take your preference for customization further, you can choose a cardboard coffin that has a unique and colorful design on it. There are some coffin dealers who offer this option for the brave of heart. Another option you can take is to customize it yourself. You can paste photos of the dearly departed, draw on it, scribble encouraging messages, or place different kinds of flowers for a distinct look. Just remember that a coffin made from cardboard is best suited for cremation purposes and not for burial. In the event you use this type of coffin to be buried under the ground, it will be easily damaged and all sorts of critters might find its way inside it.
Metal coffins
Metal coffins represent a step up from those made from wood. These coffins are more substantial when it comes to price, construction, weight, and durability. The common types of metal used in building these coffins are stainless steel, bronze, carbon steel, and copper. These materials are chosen because they don’t rust that easily. In particular, carbon steel is the best among these choices due to its exceptional resistance to rust, remarkable durability, and outstanding feel. As you know, the environment under the ground is full of moisture. When the wrong kind of metal is used, rust may wrap around the coffin and look ugly in no time at all.
Another distinction of a metal coffin is the intricate details around it. As compared to wood and other materials, the detail on these metal coffins looks more luxurious. Every bit of design crafted onto these coffins is a wonder to look at when it is displayed for a funeral.
Biodegradable coffins
You may have noticed the worsening condition of our planet. There are all sorts of plastic waste in the ocean, several animals are endangered, and the temperature is steadily going up. If you want to do your part to save the world, one of the many ways to help is to get a biodegradable coffin for your deceased loved one. This is a recent trend that’s slowly getting the interest of people everywhere. Basically, the coffin is characterized by its resemblance to a huge egg made of biostarch. The dearly departed’s body is then inserted into this pod and then planted into the ground afterward. The coffin itself will then be integrated into the soil. This pod can also be placed with tree seeds inside of it. In this way, the coffin can act as a carrier for both the deceased’s body and the seed. After some time, the seed will grow into a tree and contribute a positive effect on the environment.
There are so many advantages if you’re entertaining the thought of using a biodegradable coffin. For one, you’ll save a lot of money by foregoing a lot in the cemetery. These days, cemeteries all over the world are becoming too crowded and choosing this option can help resolve this concern. You can also choose an empty lot near your residence. In this way, you’ll always be near your dearly departed in a pleasant and positive place.
