Buried without a coffin

More and more people choose to bury without a coffin, to be able to say goodbye in a soft and accessible way. Although we are very used to using a coffin at a funeral, the need for a more personal alternative, such as a shroud, is growing.

Buried without a coffin

Many people do not know this, but in the Netherlands it has been legal for years to organize burials without a coffin. A shroud is used, which feels much less distant than a coffin with a lid. A silk shroud, in which the figure of the deceased remains visible, is much more adequate. Although coffins seem to be the most common way to bury someone, the idea of ​​a coffin is oppressive for some people. With this thought, death itself becomes more oppressive, while it does not have to be. For a more personal and warm transition from the deathbed to the final resting place, people can opt for a shroud. Shrouds are easy to store, so to assure relatives of a good laying out, you can choose to buy a shroud in advance.

Cremation without a coffin

Nowadays, cremations may also be organised without a coffin. There are various rules attached to this, such as that the deceased must be covered in such a way that they can be transported and carried hygienically. If a shroud and a stretcher are used for this, it may sometimes be necessary to use a sliding board . This is because bier boards do not always have a flat bottom, which is often mandatory in crematoria. It is advisable to consult with the crematorium you have in mind, as the regulations often differ per location.

The alternatives to a coffin

As indicated above, shrouds are often used as an alternative to a coffin. In short, a shroud is a rectangular cloth in which the deceased is wrapped. For the relatives, this wrapping can be a pleasant and intimate act with which they can care for the deceased in this final phase. When the deceased is laid out, the relatives can gradually close the shroud. This is a beautiful symbol for the gradual process of saying goodbye. In order to be able to use shrouds without a coffin, the use of a bier is necessary. bier boards, or stretchers, are rectangular boards or baskets on which a deceased can be laid and carried. Shrouds are usually made of natural materials such as cotton or silk and are suitable for burial and cremation. In order to be buried in a natural burial ground, the coffin, shroud and clothing of the deceased must be made of naturally degradable material. Shrouds can also be used for cremation. To be sure, inquire whether the crematorium has additional rules regarding cremation with a shroud.