Burial customs fade in and out of favor with cultural shifts in society, introducing new trends and throwing out the old. Ancient customs, like shrouding, are resurfacing and increasing in popularity once again. The burial scene is always changing as values and societal needs change. Even traditional burial of caskets and coffins is not exempt from this and is changing with increases in technology and geographical needs. Old customs are starting to resurface, and completely new customs are being introduced. One custom that is surprisingly regaining its hold on society is the practice of coffin sharing, and coffin stacking.
Coffin Stacking
Coffin stacking is exactly what it sounds to be, which is the practice of stacking coffins on top of each other in burial grounds. This was once a popular practice in the United Kingdom, especially because burial space was quite limited and grave diggers did not have the same tools for burial that they do now. It was much more difficult to quickly bury a coffin, and grave diggers took the practice of digging one deep plot and stacking coffins in it, rather than digging multiple shallow plots. Also, public cemeteries, especially those in poor areas, would quickly become over crowded during times of plague and burial space would run low. To remedy this issue of low space, grave diggers would stack coffins on top of each other in a single grave. Coffin stacking went out of practice in the 20th century with the opening of new burial grounds and the introduction of power tools that made burial easier. While digging graves is still an easy task thanks to power tools, burial space is once again running low and the costs are high, leading to the reintroduction of coffin stacking in the United Kingdom.
One cemetery has already initiated the practice and others are following suit as it is practical and economical. The stackable burial plots are designated for families only and will have room to stack four coffins on top of each other. They will not be used for general burial. The deep graves are framed and walled with high-strength plastic so the placement of newer coffins will not disturb those already at rest. The coffins will not actually be resting on top of each other, rather they will be resting on the framework which almost acts as a bunk. The framework also allows for burial in land that was previously deemed as unsuitable for burial, increasing the amounts of land that can be used for burial. Coffin stacking is gaining popularity, and rightfully so, as space in many parishes is limited and families are running out of options if they want to bury their loved ones by each other. This reintroduction to space-saving burial is not the only upcoming change to burial, and even coffins themselves may be seeing a change in the future.
Smart Coffins
The future of coffins is changing along with the rest of the world as societies adapt and evolve to ever-changing technologies. This brings a flood of new ways to involve technology in the funeral industry, and one way that is being contemplated by Perfect Choice Funerals is the introduction of smart coffins. A smart coffin is a twist to the traditional coffin in the sense that it has technology integrated into its very design. While smart coffins have not been invented yet, the idea is out there.
Smart coffins are reinventing the ways that traditional coffins are viewed as they plan to integrate technology into the design of the coffin. The most prominent upgrade would be a built-in digital screen on the lid of the coffin for displaying pictures and videos of the deceased person. The screen would also have the capability of streaming the deceased person’s social media so others who could not attend the funeral could send their wishes via the internet. This coffin would also contain other features such as color-changing LED lights and loud speakers on the sides of the coffin. The LED lights would be a way to capture the personality of the deceased person, while the loud speakers could project a eulogy, poem, or favorite song of the person. While the smart coffin has not been invented yet—and a spokesperson from Perfect Choice Funerals said there is the chance it never will be invented—coffins integrated with technology are a high possibility in the future.
Technology in some ways is already being integrated into coffin designs as coffins are becoming more ecofriendly and customizable. 3D printing is largely allowing for these changes and is changing the looks of coffins altogether. 3D printed coffins can take form in a variety of different shapes, colors, and designs. The customized coffins are being made to reflect the deceased person’s interests and personality. Some people are even having pop culture references integrated in their own coffin designs. Customizable changes to traditional coffins are becoming more popular and could possibly become the norm in the future.
The future of coffins and caskets is evolving with changes in technology and to societal needs. Coffins are now often being made in a more economical and ecofriendly way. Design changes, customization, and the integration of technology are likely to become more popular in what was once deemed as a heavily traditional industry. Technology and design changes to coffins will influence the ways that funerals are held and the ways that the world regards the death industry. Further changes, such as loss of burial space, will also influence the ways that funeral industry functions. Coffin stacking may very well become the norm as countries lose viable space for burial. All of these changes and more will influence the funeral industry and its place in the world.
**update** “But for most Hong Kong families, this ritual that was first recorded more than 2,500 years ago has been pared back to a minimum. Instead of tombs gazing out over the sea from the hilltops, the reality is likely to be a 20-year niche– enough room for an urn and a photo – in one of Hong Kong’s gigantic columbaria. Extra years come a decade at a time, for a fee.” South China Morning Post
Blog Resources
http://mentalfloss.com/article/70154/smart-casket-design-keeps-corpses-connected-social-media
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/funeral-burial-coffin-death-technology-concepts/
https://cemsites.com/2015/11/smart-caskets-take-technology-grave/