Shrouds and their symbolism - Painted shrouds

Shrouding the dead has acquired a rich amount of symbolism throughout history. In various cultures and rituals, this act has been interpreted in its own way, leading to many different meanings. Every week we share a story from the rich cultural history of the shroud.

Painted shrouds

In Egypt, the shrouds in which the deceased were wrapped were often painted. Various shrouds have been found that bore the image of the deceased. In several of these images, the deceased holds a cup with two handles in one hand and a wreath of flowers in the other. A kind of lotus flower is also often presented. This special tradition makes great use of the opportunity to paint a shroud, which can be an inspiration for today. Of course, the painting does not always have to be someone's image, but can also be an object that is symbolic of the deceased, or just a beautiful home-made decoration.