Many of us might go through the entirety of our lives without the need to know the difference between a coffin or a casket. These terms are often used interchangeably during and around funeral proceedings, but I would have to know the variance if the choice affected me.
The differences between a coffin and a casket
The biggest and perhaps most obvious differences are size and shape. Coffins for sale and caskets from Titan Casket are built in different ways resulting in different dimensions. Caskets are the more conventionally recognized of the two, as they feature in most funerals around the world. Caskets are specially designed four-sided rectangular boxes used to hold the remains of the deceased during burial or cremation, depending on the type. Caskets often feature ornamental structures on them, making them colorful and pleasant to look at.
Ranging from wood to metal, caskets can be categorized according to the material used to build them. Mahogany and Oak are common construction materials for wood caskets, while stainless steel dominates metallic caskets. Caskets also feature lining with cloth and fabric, creating a peaceful resting place for the deceased, with the uniform top bar having a hinge to allow viewing.
Like a casket, a coffin is a specially designed funerary box used to store the deceased’s remains either for viewing, burial, or cremation. Unlike a casket, a coffin has six sides with handlebars off all the rectangular sides. Coffins also feature a wider top bar that expands the shoulder space, saving wood or any building material. This design, in turn, makes the construction of a coffin cheaper. The top bar is adjusted to follow the general shape of the human body and does not feature a hinge; instead, it can be removed altogether. Coffins also feature ornaments known as coffin furniture, often used to indicate the deceased’s wealth. Coffins are closely associated with old age, where they were more prevalent.
Pros and cons of Caskets
The advantages
Ornamental and more design-oriented: the casket has even been referred to as” a fancy coffin” by the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Caskets can be heavily ornamented and decorated. If this is your preference, caskets drive a hard bargain. In comparison to coffins with more restrictions, caskets can be freely customized. They are visual; hence, they are used mostly in displaying the deceased during a funeral.
There’s a wide variety of materials at your disposal. Many casket providers can construct from a wide variety of components. If you have specific material needs, caskets might be the better choice.
Many consider the term “casket” in the place of ”coffin” as a euphemism, especially around the deceased. This is especially widely regarded in the United States.
Disadvantages of Caskets
Expensive: caskets spare no expense in material and design; this, in turn, pushes the manufacturing cost high. Unlike coffins, caskets use more materials and may require more labor.
Pros and cons of Coffins.
Advantages
Cheaper: since the coffin tapers according to the shape of the human body – accommodating broad shoulder lengths and the narrowness of the legs, less material is used in its construction, reducing the overall price. This might be an important factor to consider.
Disadvantage
Did you know that the term “coffin” was widely used in funeral proceedings until as late as the mid-nineteenth century when funeral directors began using the term “casket” in replacement? This was to give a softer way to refer to the coffin among the deceased’s close ones. By associating the container used in jewellery with funeral proceedings, it was a gentler way of speaking.
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The choice of the casket or coffin comes down to personal preference. Caskets tend to be visual pieces and are more expensive than coffins. Coffins, which have kept a respected design around, speak differently about the deceased and save costs by using less material in the design. Keep this in mind as you make such an important choice; I know I would.
