We thought we would share this information with our blog readers at Obit Moments.
At some point we may all have to choose the “right casket”. A casket can reflect and celebrate the life of a specific person and provide a reminder of happy things at a time when sadness holds the upper hand.
The selection of a casket is probably one of the most important, and for many, the most emotionally difficult part of planning a funeral or memorial service. Because of this, many people are reluctant to spend much time in the selection room or ask any questions about the merchandise they are about to purchase.
Caskets come in a wide variety of styles and colours with many customizable adornments, and their uses are just as varied as their looks. Depending on one’s culture, caskets are buried directly in the ground, placed in a burial vault, or may even be cremated along with a body.
Caskets come in a wide variety of styles and colours with many customizable adornments, and their uses are just as varied as their looks. Depending on one’s culture, caskets are buried directly in the ground, placed in a burial vault, or may even be cremated along with a body.
casket1
Vincent building a casket for one of his clients
We at Obit Moments caught up with Vincent, a builder who has been in the business for more than 25 years. Customizing caskets for his clients is his pride and joy. His clients who are mainly directors of funeral homes said some people would want a specific colour or a variation of colours as well as a variation of woods to ensure a high quality, sleek finish.
Hardwood caskets are available in a variety of types including mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, pecan, oak, poplar and pine. As a single owned and operated business, it takes him about 5 days to complete a casket before it’s taken to a client.
All the major carpentry completed, just the handles and upholstery to be added
The purchase of a casket is unlike any other purchase one might make. It is very personal and in many ways the choice reflects a myriad of emotions held for the deceased by family members. Trying to balance emotions while selecting the ‘right’ casket can be a challenge.
Coffins & Caskets
While it is true that the basic function and purpose of both casket and coffin is the same, the public’s perception is not entirely accurate.
There is, in fact a significant difference between the two, and it is found in the way they are design. A coffin, by definition, is a case or receptacle for dead human remains; it is anthropoid in shape. By anthropoid, it is meant that the coffin’s shape resembles the shape a human being and has six or eight sides.
Caskets are rectangular in shape with an oval top. The rectangular shape of the casket was thought to be more favorable than the shape of a coffin because it does not resemble the shape of a deceased body.
Vincent said he only builds caskets as they are more preferred in today’s market.
