Rituals with a shroud - a meaningful farewell

More and more people are choosing a personalized funeral. Rituals surrounding the shroud offer space for connection, expression, and reflection. These rituals help the bereaved say goodbye in their own way and give the grieving process a tangible and comforting meaning. On this page, you can read more about contemporary customs that align with the natural character of a shroud.

The flower arranger: a colorful greeting

The flower arranger offers a ritual where friends and family place flowers in a cotton strap that is attached around our Basic carrier. Each flower represents a person, a feeling, or a final farewell. The flower arranger, developed by Bloemenband.nl, is easy to use and is seen by many families as a cherished way to shape their farewell. The strap can remain in place during the funeral service and, where permitted, can be taken to the final resting place.

Notes and flowers in the shroud

An intimate way to say goodbye is to place notes, flowers, or small mementos in the folds of the shroud. This can be done during the wake or just before the shroud is closed. It's a ritual that allows for personal words and symbols that might otherwise remain unspoken. This is also an accessible way for children to share something of themselves with the deceased.

Embroidery or painting as an expression of love

Wikkelgoed's shrouds are made from natural materials such as cotton, linen, hemp, and wool. These fabrics lend themselves well to embroidering or painting names, symbols, motifs, or short texts. By adding a personal touch to the shroud, you create a unique tribute that reflects your bond with the deceased. The embroidery or painting can be done beforehand, but also during the wake, when family members gather to give shape to the funeral.

The ribbon ritual: a shared gesture

Another increasingly common ritual is closing or decorating the shroud with ribbons. Relatives tie ribbons around the body or carrier, with each ribbon representing the connection between the relative and the deceased. Of course, they can also symbolize something else. It's a ritual that can easily be adapted to the style of the funeral. Some families use subdued colors, while others opt for colorful ribbons.

Photo: Yvonne van der Bijl

The shroud as a daily ritual

During the wake, some families choose not to close the shroud all at once, but to do so gradually. For example, by folding it a little further each day or by marking the moment of closing together just before the funeral. In this way, the shroud becomes a valuable part of the grieving process. This daily ritual helps to approach the farewell step by step.

Photo: Miranda Karel

Involving children in rituals

It can be helpful for children to actively participate in the farewell. Drawing on the shroud, choosing a flower for the flower arranger, or decorating a ribbon makes the loss more tangible and understandable. Giving children a role that they can perform in their own way, creates space for processing and involvement within the funeral process.

The value of rituals in a natural funeral

Rituals surrounding the shroud are often simple, yet powerful. They provide structure in a time of chaos and grief. They allow love and memories to find a place. And they give meaning to the final care for a loved one. At Wikkelgoed, we believe that every farewell should be unique, and that a shroud is more than just a cover—it is a vessel for stories, gestures, and connection.

Would you like to know more about the possibilities surrounding rituals and shrouds?
Please feel free to contact us for advice, or view our range of natural shrouds that are perfect for a personal farewell.