Why Are People Buried in Caskets?

Caskets are an integral part of the funeral process.

The use of caskets in human burial proceedings stems from both a historical and cultural desire to pay tribute to the deceased.

History

The use of caskets to bury people can be traced back as far as 600 A.D. to the Celts, who built them out of stones. As civilization advanced, noblemen and kings were buried in elegant caskets adorned with gold and jewels as a representation of their importance and power.

Function

Much like for the rich and powerful kings of the past, personalized caskets pay tribute to people and their accomplishments in life. Often used in funeral proceedings, caskets display the deceased in a peaceful and comfortable state before burial.

Misconceptions

The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control refute claims that human remains can be dangerous to the environment if not properly contained

References

• Memorials.com: The History of Caskets
• Batesville Casket Company: Burial Caskets
• Funeral Consumers Alliance: Dead Bodies and Disease: The "Danger" That Doesn't Exist