What Are Caskets?
Caskets are burial vessels used by humans for thousands of years. The materials and shapes have changed over the years, but the purpose has remained the same: viewing, transportation and burial of the body. Caskets have been made from stone, wood and most recently metal. Modern caskets are lined with various fabrics like, silk, satin, crepe and velvet. They can be elaborate, with encrusted jewels, or as straightforward as a plain wooden box.
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Metal Caskets
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Today's caskets are made of heavy steel, copper or bronze. Steel caskets come in different gauges, with 20-gauge being the most common. The gauge refers to the thickness of the metal. Copper and bronze caskets are measured by weight; for example, in a 32-ounce copper casket, there are 32 ounces of copper per square foot. Metal caskets can also feature ornate hardware and lugs --- the bars used to carry the casket --- or extremely simple, plain hardware.
Hardwood Caskets
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Numerous species of hardwood are used in the manufacture of caskets. The least expensive options include, poplar and willow. More expensive options include pine, oak and maple. Black walnut and mahogany are among the most expensive selections. Some hardwood caskets are handmade like fine furniture, with some having hand-rubbed finishes.
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Cremation Caskets
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With increasing burial costs, many people are opting for cremation. There are caskets specifically for this purpose; they look as luxurious as the caskets designed for burial, but they are made with less expensive materials. Some cremation caskets are used for the display of the body during memorial services. After the service, the body is transferred to another casket made of combustible wood and not adorned with linings and expensive hardware. The cremation casket can also be buried in the ground and is more eco-friendly in that it decomposes much more fully and quickly.
Pet Caskets
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The family pet has established itself as a true member of the family. When that pet passes away, many people feel compelled to have a funeral service and burial. A number of companies are manufacturing caskets specifically designed for this purpose. As with caskets designed for humans, the pet version is available in a number of materials, including wood, metal and biodegradable materials,made from mulberry bark.
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References
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