Definition of a Casket

A casket is a burial vessel designed to hold human remains. Although the terms “coffin” and “casket” have often been used interchangeably, they now have distinct meanings: a “coffin” typically refers to a six-sided, hexagonal shape that tapers at the head and feet, while a “casket” is a rectangular vessel that has become the standard shape in the U.S. today.

Caskets in Ancient Civilizations

Throughout history, humans have instinctively and ritualistically buried their deceased loved ones. Even before organized religion emerged, evidence suggests that some of the earliest civilizations practiced ritualistic burials.

Archaeologists and researchers have discovered ancient Mesopotamian burial vessels made from various materials, including cloth, wood, and paper. In Ancient Egypt, kings and prominent political figures were interred in large, ornate caskets known as sarcophaguses.

Around AD 700, the Celts in the British Isles began using flat stones to construct caskets for their dead. Over the centuries, various major religions gained influence, each bringing its own customs and ideals surrounding burial practices.

The Evolution of Caskets

The earliest caskets were essentially simple coffins with detachable lids. Those conducting the burial rites would secure the lid and inter the coffin in the ground. Over time, the coffin evolved into the more sophisticated casket we recognize today.

This evolution was driven by a growing desire to honor the dead with greater respect. In the 1600s and early 1700s, only the wealthiest individuals were buried in coffins, and even those were usually simple wooden hexagonal boxes.

As time progressed, people sought more elaborate burial vessels to symbolize their social status and wealth. Many believed that a burial rite was a sacred ritual that required the finest vessel for the deceased.

Eventually, simple coffins were replaced by rectangular hinged-lidded caskets. By the early 20th century, caskets had become the preferred burial vessel in the United States.

The Modern Industrialization of Caskets

The modern casket industry in the U.S. began to take shape in the early 1800s, when local furniture and cabinet makers also served as undertakers. At that time, caskets were handmade and produced as needed.

This changed dramatically during the Civil War in the 1860s, when the mass production of caskets began to meet the demands created by war-related fatalities. This marked the birth of the modern casket industry, with many businesses shifting their primary focus to casket production. Local undertakers transitioned from making caskets themselves to sourcing them from specialized producers.

During this period, steel caskets made their first appearance in the market. However, it wasn't until after World War II that steel became the predominant material used for caskets.

Industrialization also transformed casket design over the decades, with caskets becoming increasingly ornate and grand to honor the deceased. For instance, instead of using simple wooden boards and rope handles, caskets began featuring solid bars along the sides, allowing pallbearers to transport the deceased with dignity.

Today, a typical casket used in funerals is made of painted steel and adorned with brass hardware and trim. Nevertheless, a small yet growing trend is emerging that harkens back to the pre-industrial era, with green burials opting for wood, wicker, cloth, or other materials that were once common. As the casket industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see what direction it takes in the future.