![]() ![]() Shrouds in particular contribute towards sustainable burial practices. Shrouds also forgo the use of metal, chemical finishes, or other non-biodegradable products. These “natural burial” options are often less expensive than many traditional choices. Shroudingĭepending on the cemetery and your personal preferences, a shrouded body can be placed directly into the ground or perhaps buried in a simple pine coffin or a biodegradable willow casket. Some faiths require it, some people simply prefer the aesthetics of it, some families are looking for a budget-friendly option, and of course many people have healthy concerns about the environmental impact of burial.įor these reasons and many more, the idea of a natural burial with a body wrapped in a simple shroud is appealing to many families. This because it is simple, eco-friendly, and relatively affordable. Shrouding is one of the final disposition o ptions that is becoming more widespread in recent years. What Is a Burial Shroud?Ī burial shroud is a simple yet durable cloth used to wrap a body in preparation for burial. We sometimes earn a commission when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Let’s take a look at burial shrouds, and specifically how to wrap a body in a burial shroud for a natural burial. In making the decision of whether to bury or cremate, many factors are taken into consideration. Many families have discovered new (yet old!) ways to honor their loved ones in how the body is buried. If you’re trying to figure out your way around natural burial and you’ve come to this question, we have good news for you… you’re in the right place! The men in turn would stay behind and erect a stele over the grave.How do I wrap a body in a burial shroud to bury in the ground? At the conclusion of the burial, the women would return home to prepare a banquet in honor of the deceased. Regardless of the method, the remains would be gathered in and buried in a larnax, along with offerings of food, wine and flowers. The ancient Greeks practiced both inhumation - burial within the earth - and cremation. Public displays of mourning were expected and proper on a societal level. The women in particular would tear their clothing and hair when in view. Along with the music, the family continued their own laments, which became particularly loud when passersby drew near. As with the prothesus, during ekphoria the friends and family of the deceased were accompanied by musicians performing songs of mourning as the body made its way. Along with the body, the mourners would proceed to the cemetery, with the men leading the group and the women and children following behind them. The pallbearers would typically have been members of the family. The deceased was carried by a horse-drawn carriage if the family had one or could afford to hire one, or by pallbearers as a less expensive option. ![]() The next stage was called ekphoria, the funeral procession to the place of burial. When this process was complete, the body would be ready for the next phase of the process. ![]() When the body had been laid in state, a professional funeral singer would perform threnos, a more formalized lament, in addition to the family's own funeral songs. The family would sing songs of mourning while preparing the body. The most important part of prothesus was the ritual lament. When these preparations were complete, the body was covered with a funeral shroud. A coin would be placed in the mouth, as payment for the ferry across the River Styx on the way to the underworld. The eyes and mouth would be closed, with the jaw secured by a leather strap if necessary. Regardless of social stature, the body would be laid out with its feet facing the door. The rich and powerful often broke with the tradition of simplicity and adorned the body with gold breastplates, masks and helmets. For some wealthier families, a diadem or crown of greenery might have been placed on the head of the corpse. The hair would be worn as it had been in life, and jewelry was kept basic. For most, however, the clothing was simple and any accessories were minimal. If the deceased had been recently married, she might be dressed in her wedding garb. The deceased would then be dressed in a full length white shroud, or in military garb if a casualty of battle. Any wounds or injuries would be dressed at this time. Typically, the body would be washed by the women of the household, preferably with seawater if available. This could last any number of days, but generally took about 24 hours to complete. The first stage of a Greek funeral was prothesus, or the preparation of the body. ![]()
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