We’ve all had to attend a funeral at some stage. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or work colleague, losing someone close to you is a heart-breaking affair, and affects everyone in their circle.
When it’s time to plan the funeral and put the deceased to rest, it’s most common for the family to choose a hardwood coffin for the burial. A wooden coffin is the traditional choice, but you might not be aware that there’s other coffin materials available for the funeral and burial.
Let’s look at the advantages of choosing a wicker coffin for a “natural burial,” and why they’re a good alternative to the traditional hardwood coffin.
Natural Burial – Unpacking the Concept
While most of us see a funeral as a standard event that’s the same between funeral homes and across all countries, it’s not. The trend of “natural burials,” is gathering steam, emphasizing the return of the deceased to the earth in a natural, biodegradable way that’s eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable.
A natural or “green” burial is a different approach to handling the funeral, cutting through the massive expense of buying a coffin and holding a traditional funeral at the funeral home. This concept might seem like a novelty, but it’s the true traditional method of burying loved ones after their passing.
It’s only in the western world that we take the approach of hosting funerals at graveyards under the direction of a funeral home director. Other cultures around the globe take a more natural approach to the event, burying their deceased loved ones in the ground, wrapping them in a shroud, blanket, or simple woven casket.
Is a Natural Burial Legal in the United States?
Each state has its own rules on the legality of a natural burial. Generally, it’s completely legal to bury the deceased in this manner, provided you do so on your own property. You’ll also need to disclose the burial to any buyers in the future if you decide to sell your home.
Natural burials are usually completely legal in cemeteries, but each will have their own way of carrying them out, and the policies they adhere to for the event. Despite it being legal, many cemeteries and funeral homes refuse natural burials.
Some allow natural burials, and some don’t. If you’re planning a funeral and want a natural burial, make sure you call the funeral home and ask if they can accommodate it. Some cemeteries accommodate natural burials in specific sections of the property, so it’s important to find the right venue and inquire about their practices when planning the funeral.
Call the venue and ask to speak to the funeral director or the “end-of-life doula” to discuss your options for natural burial, if any.
The Biodegradable Benefit of Choosing a Wicker Coffin for a Natural Burial
So, why choose a wicker casket over traditional hardwood or coffin made with synthetic materials? The reality is it sometimes takes centuries for the coffin to biodegrade and return the deceased to the earth.
Depending on your culture, or your budget for the funeral, you might have an issue using these conventional casket models. That’s where a wicker casket offers you a natural, biodegradable alternative that’s environmentally friendly and sustainable.
A wicker coffin makes for a highly presentable and attractive casket. It’s the perfect way to honor the memory of the deceased and return them to the earth naturally. You can order wicker caskets online, and you have options for completed units, or those which require a DIY assembly.
FAQ – Wicker Coffins for Natural Burials
Q: Is a wicker casket a more affordable option compared to traditional hardwood coffins?
A: Yes. A wicker coffin is considerably more affordable than a traditional hardwood coffin. A traditional coffin can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000, with some high-end models costing up to $10,000 or more. Contrast this outlandish pricing to a wicker coffin which you can pickup for around $1,000 to $1,500.
Q: Is it legal to bury someone in a wicker casket?
A: Yes. It’s totally legal to bury the deceased in a wicker casket. However, most funeral homes and cemeteries regard a wicker casket as suitable for “natural burial” only, and some venues might not permit a green burial. Before committing to a funeral home, call the venue and ask to speak to the funeral director about their rules on natural burials and whether they permit them or not.
Q: How long does it take the deceased to decompose when buried in a wicker casket?
A: A non-embalmed body will typically take eight to 12 years to fully decompose when buried without a coffin. A wicker coffin takes around three to four years to decompose, leaving the total process at 11 to 16 years for the body to return to the earth when buried in a wicker coffin. Since the body starts to decompose in the casket before the structure decomposes, it typically takes less time than this for the body to return to the earth. Factors like the soil composition and temperature of the region also play a role in decomposition rate.
Q: Can I use a wicker coffin if I plan to cremate my loved one?
A: Yes. A wicker coffin is a great choice for cremation. These models include options for ¾ or full-length lids that allow you to display the body as you prefer during the memorial or private family visits. Wicker caskets feature construction with organic, natural materials, and there’s no metallic hardware components, meaning that the entire structure eventually biodegrades into the earth over time.