Mortician Answers Burial Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED

WIRED2 minutes read

Different cultures around the world have varying funeral practices, such as the shape of caskets and the disposal of cremated remains. Funeral customs include taking photos of the deceased, deciding who can attend, and organizing post-funeral gatherings for relaxation and honoring the deceased.

Insights

  • Caskets in the United States are rectangular, contrasting with anthropoid coffins in other regions, showcasing diverse cultural practices in funeral traditions.
  • Funeral homes, once predominantly family-owned, are being acquired by corporate entities, raising concerns about the impact on quality of care and transparency in the funeral industry.

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Recent questions

  • What shapes do caskets and coffins typically have?

    Rectangular and anthropoid shapes.

  • Where can cremated remains be scattered?

    Almost anywhere, with visitation rights.

  • What is the significance of funeral pyres?

    Rare, with only one location in Crest Stone, Colorado.

  • Who decides who is invited to a funeral?

    Family members, but anyone can attend.

  • What are some challenges faced by cemeteries in metropolitan areas?

    Running out of space, leading to burial practices like stacking graves.

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Summary

00:00

Funeral Practices Around the World

  • In the United States, caskets are typically rectangular, while in other parts of the world, coffins are anthropoid in shape, narrower at the top and wider at the shoulders.
  • Cremated remains can be scattered almost anywhere, with families often gaining visitation rights to the scattering site.
  • Funeral pyres are rare, with only one location in Crest Stone, Colorado allowing them, while Viking funerals historically involved burial with grave goods rather than flaming boats.
  • Taking photos of the deceased in a casket at funerals is a family decision, but sharing them on social media is discouraged.
  • Family members decide who is invited to a funeral, but anyone can attend without an invitation, leading to instances of funeral crashing.
  • Cemeteries may run out of space in metropolitan areas, leading to practices like burying on top of existing graves or renting grave spaces for a limited time.
  • Sky burial, practiced in Tibet and Nepal, involves leaving bodies for vultures to consume, rendering them to bones.
  • Fall and spring are busier times for funeral homes due to weather changes and delayed burials from winter.
  • While many funeral homes are family-owned, corporate entities are increasingly acquiring them, potentially affecting the level of care and transparency.
  • Organ donation may involve taking specific body parts, with wooden dowels used to reconstruct the body for viewing.

13:51

Honoring the Deceased Through Universal Values

  • When writing a eulogy, focus on universal values like unconditional love and patience, which are relatable to everyone. In some regions, it is customary to pull over out of respect for funeral processions, offering a small gift of time to the grieving family. Gathering for a meal after a funeral can provide a valuable opportunity to relax, bond, and honor the deceased in a traditional way.
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