Caskets&Coffins- Why It’s Important to Know the Differences
Caskets and coffins- are they the same thing or is there a difference you should know about? Even most are using the terms interchangeably, should you ever find in the position of selecting, it’s good that you see the difference.
Even though they serve the same purpose, coffins and caskets aren’t the same things. It only takes you a quick look to see what’s tell them apart: the shape. One thing to mention is that the difference between the two matters only for people living in the United States. Keep reading for the details.
What’s the easiest way to describe a casket?
Nine times out of ten, when you’re picturing a funeral service, a casket is what comes to mind. It’s because caskets are used the most in funerals across the United States. Needless to say, the difference between caskets and coffins only counts for people living in the United States.
The casket is a specially designed box that is going to fit the body of the deceased. It’s commonly used throughout the funeral service for viewing the body. Unless the funeral continues with a cremation burial, the burial ceremony will continue with the lowering of the casket into the ground.
In case cremation is included in the ceremony, the casket isn’t going to be buried (most of the time). It can be used for viewing, wake, or visitation. The cremation unit may also be placed inside the casket, and the two will be buried together later on.
The casket has a rectangular shape, featuring hinged bars on every side for effortless carrying.
How to describe a coffin?
The coffin is also a box specially made for holding the deceased’s body throughout the funeral ceremony. Just like the casket, the coffin can also be used for viewing and burial.
However, the main difference between the two is that the coffins have six sides. It’s not easy to picture a coffin, but you may have seen one in the old western movies. Back in the 1800s, coffins were the no.1 choice for funerals, which is why they were also used in the movies.
We also need to mention that the top part of the coffins is always more extensive than the bottom, resulting in a specific shape.
Even if the shape gives the main differences between the two, some other aspects tell coffins apart from caskets.
What else sets the coffins apart from caskets?
Shortly put, the prices can also make a difference between the two. With the coffins being narrower at the bottom, it’s apparent that they’re going to need less wood, which means a lower price. They’re made for fitting the full shoulder width of the body, whereas the feet are narrower. Therefore, coffins are cheaper than caskets most of the time.
Either way, caskets, and coffins are dependable choices for a funeral, and it’s all a matter of taste and money when deciding between the two.
Both coffins and caskets can get as high as $50,000 and more, according to the features and the customization process. They can be made of various materials, whereas the artistry and the material inside can also impact the final price.
Most of the time, coffins are made from metal or wood, and the quality affects the price. You can also personalize the coffins, add artwork, and even decorate them with jewelry. Some include internal pockets for storing intimate items, with every single detail increasing the final price of the casket.
Fiberglass is another material used for caskets, with models featuring glass cover. It allows viewing of the body at all times.
A wide range of caskets and coffins can be found at Trusted Caskets. This should help you better understand the different types of both caskets and coffins.
With people being more and more interested in the “green” products, some new models are nowadays made of Banana leaf or bamboo.
Is there a difference between caskets and coffins outside the United States?
In many countries outside the United States, people describe the ceremonial box holding the deceased with the term “coffin.” The casket is another special box, but it’s used in other situations. For instance, “casket” can refer to a particular box for storing jewelry or valuable documents.
Why do people in the United States use the term “casket”?
For the sake of accuracy, we should mention that the term “coffin” was widely used until the mid and late 19th century. It was around that time when the funeral directors slowly began to use the name “casket” for softening the terminology. They wanted to use a more helpful way to talk about the deceased and to make it easier for the mourners.
The funeral directors thought that connecting the funerary box to the jewelry box is going to alleviate the pain of talking about the funeral ceremony with the families.
Truth be told, most of us have no idea about the difference between the casket and the coffin. Very few people know and notice the difference between the two, but what’s the harm in knowing the bits and bobs?
Is it possible to be buried without a coffin or a casket?
Honestly, it’s not impossible to be buried without a casket or a coffin. Keep in mind that it’s not a standard way, so you need to check with the cemetery before. You may very well go with a natural burial when you don’t want to use a coffin or a casket. The natural burial doesn’t require a coffin, an embalming fluid, nor a burial vault.
Some interesting facts to know about coffin& caskets
Even if it’s not the most appealing subject to know about, here are some interesting aspects of each of them. It may help you have a different take on the funeral ceremony:
- The word “coffin” has Greek origins (kophinos), which means “basket.”
- If the coffin is used for carrying the deceased, you may refer to the coffin as the pall (it’s a term for cloth used for covering the coffin).
- Every external detail of coffins (design, crosses, handles, symbols, and so on) is part of the “fittings” or “coffin furniture.” The trimming the coffin relates to the design and use of fabric inside the coffin.