Caskets
The term casket became interchangeable with coffin in 19th century North America. This occurred for cultural reasons, but in essence “casket” was seen as less upsetting and more dignified than the word coffin. A casket is more rectangular in shape and constructed of four sides plus a top and bottom panel. This shape was additionally seen as less sombre than a more traditional coffin, in essence because it did not follow the contours of a human being. Perhaps the biggest distinction is that a casket has a viewing panel, allowing mourners to see the dead person. Both coffins and caskets can be customised to suit the wishes of the deceased person and mourners. This includes engravings, flowers, and jewels or photographs in fact any items stipulated by the deceased.
Casket or Coffin
When choosing a casket or coffin the options are in effect limitless. The most expensive caskets and coffins cost thousands of pounds. This reflects the materials used in its construction and the degree to which it has been adapted to acquire any specific requirements for the funeral itself. In short the more you are prepared to pay either directly or through your funeral insurance the more personal your casket or coffin can be.
In terms of materials the range of options is becoming more diverse. Some opt for a reinforced glass screen allowing for permanent viewing of the body. Others opt for greener options having the casket or coffin made from biodegradable materials. It is advised that the legal position is checked here. There are very strict rules regarding the type of materials which can be used.
Cremation or burial
However, materials such as bamboo or banana leaf are generally acceptable. This option is generally more appropriate for cremation because the material when combusted contains none of the pollutants contained within the combustion products of other manufactured receptacles. In addition the advent of the global economic crisis has meant that less expensive coffins and caskets are being sold. Intertwined with this reality is the increasing preference for cremations which are cheaper than more traditional funerals. One reason for this is that the casket or coffin itself is less ornate because they require (for obvious reasons) none of the additional and optional features of a burial casket or coffin.
In essence the basic difference between a casket and a coffin is the shape and the existence of a viewing panel. The choice of receptacle lies with the wishes of the deceased and family.