UNDERSTANDING THEIR ROLE IN MODERN FUNERALS
Community coffins in Melbourne are an optional part of a growing trend towards eco-friendly and non-traditional funeral services. As funeral directors in Melbourne increasingly embrace sustainable practices, community coffins offer an alternative option that aligns with sustainable funeral principles.
However, misconceptions abound regarding their use, cost, and purpose. This blog will clarify what community coffins are in Victoria, who they’re for, the legalities concerning their use and how they fit into the broader context of modern funeral services in and around Melbourne.
WHAT ARE COMMUNITY COFFINS?
A community coffin is not your typical coffin or casket, that a body is placed inside of. Instead, a community coffin consists of a timber shroud bearer (a board the body rests on) and a timber coverthat sits over the body to cover it for transit and the, if desired, the funeral service. These two parts resemble a butter dish, with a flat base and a protective cover.
A community coffin is designed to work in tandem with shrouded bodies only. A traditional funeralshroud, is usually made from natural, biodegradable materials. It covers the body, which is then laidon a wooden bearer board. The term community coffin typically refers to the top cover which is then placed over the shrouded body for transit, which is required, and during funeral services, if desired. Thereby providing a dignified alternative to a traditional coffin or casket that’s both eco-friendly and in line with eco funeral practices.
VICTORIAN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY COFFINS
The primary role of a community coffin is to meet legal requirements in Victoria, which mandate that a body must be covered during transit. A shrouded body cannot be transferred uncovered, and acommunity coffin is a simple, eco friendly solution.
Unlike traditional coffins, bodies are not placed inside of and removed from community coffins, like in a traditional coffin, due to health and safety reasons. A traditional coffin or casket cannot typically be shared by multiple bodies.
THE ROLE OF SHROUDING IN COMMUNITY COFFINS
Shrouding plays a central role in the use of community coffins. It involves wrapping the body in a natural fabric, such as cotton or linen, allowing it to decompose naturally and return to the earth. This process is deeply rooted in traditions that honour the simplicity and sanctity of death, making it an appealing choice for those who value sustainability and environmental responsibility. Shrouding is also popular with some religious groups, like Judaism and Islam.
While shrouding offers many benefits, it’s important to understand that it’s a time-intensive process. Melbourne Funeral homes that offer this service must invest more time in ensuring that the body is carefully prepared and then shrouded. This requires more time and expertise than placing a body in a simple cardboard or MDF coffin. At Picaluna bodies to be shrouded are first washed with natural eco friendly products, before being anointed with rose water and then shrouded, ensuring no chemicals are used in any stage of the process.
Despite the common myth that community coffins must be cheap or free, the additional care involved in shrouding can actually make this option more costly than selecting a simple eco friend coffin. However, for some, the benefits of choosing a community coffin will outweigh the cost.
MYTHS ABOUT THE COST OF COMMUNITY COFFINS IN MELBOURNE
A prevalent misconception about community coffins is that they are an inexpensive or free option. While some funeral services in Melbourne may offer a community coffin at no cost, the reality is that shrouding a body involves meticulous work that can make it more expensive than using a traditional coffin. The process of preparing a body for a natural burial, especially when using a shroud, requires attention to detail and a commitment to the principles of sustainability.
Here is a price comparison using the Picaluna Melbourne 2024 pricing;
Shrouding
Natural mortuary care and preparation of body with traditional funeral shrouding.
$1040 (no coffin or community coffin is included in this fee)
Coffining
Simple mortuary care without chemical intervention, body wrapped in a white cotton sheet and an eco friendly cardboard coffin.
$698
As cost can be an important factor for many families to consider when funeral planning in Melbourne, the price can be a significant factor when deciding between a community coffin and a more conventional option. While the fees may be higher for those choosing a community coffin, the investment reflects the time invested in the care and respect given to the deceased, as well as the commitment to an environmentally responsible farewell.
WHEN AND HOW COMMUNITY COFFINS ARE USED
Community coffins are typically used during transit to comply with Victorian law and during thefuneral service, if desired. This process is especially in alignment with Victorian natural burial practices.
Community Coffins can be adorned with flowers or other meaningful items, much like a traditional coffin, adding a personal touch to the farewell. Although, during a natural burial only biodegradable, natural tokens may be buried with the body.
During the funeral service, the community coffin serves as a dignified cover for the shrouded body. Whether you’re planning a life celebration funeral, an outdoor funeral, or a non-traditional funeral service, a community coffin offers a versatile and respectful option. It’s particularly suited for those who want to honour their loved ones with a sustainable approach, whether through natural burial, traditional burial or cremation services.
Following the funeral or memorial service, the shrouded body is transferred into a simple timber bearer for cremation or burial. This step ensures that the body is handled with care and in accordance with Victorian health and safety regulations.
COMMUNITY COFFINS AND NATURAL BURIALS
Natural burials are becoming increasingly popular in Melbourne and Victoria as people seek out funeral services that minimise environmental impact. Community coffins can be a component of this trend, offering a way to honour the deceased while preserving the earth. In a natural burial, the body is returned to the earth in a way that fosters ecological sustainability, often in a dedicated natural cemetery or a section within a traditional cemetery that adheres to natural burial principles.
Melbourne funeral directors who offer natural burial options may be more likely to recommend community coffins as they align perfectly with the principles of simplicity and environmental stewardship.
However, as illustrated in the cost comparison above, a simple white cotton sheet wrap and a cardboard coffin meet the same eco and natural burial principles and is a significantly more affordable option.
Whether you’re exploring cremation or burial options, a community coffin provides a respectful and eco-conscious choice, among a plethora of eco and sustainable options.
Your Picaluna Melbourne Funeral Director will be happy to chat to you about the broad spectrum of options available to help you select the option that feels right for your person.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BURIAL OR CREMATION OPTION FOR YOUR LOVED ONE
Deciding between a traditional burial, natural burial, or cremation can be challenging. Each option offers different benefits and considerations. Community coffins, coupled with traditional funeral shrouding, offer an alternative for those who want to honour their loved ones sustainably, whether through a burial or cremation. Although, a simple white sheet wrap in a cardboard coffin is an equally sustainable – and more affordable option.
If you’re considering an ashes scattering ceremony, a community coffin can still play a role. The shrouded body can be covered with the community coffin during transit and the funeral service as it would during a burial. Afterwards the body would be cremated and the ashes can be scattered in a meaningful location, allowing you to celebrate the life of your loved one in a way that feels right for you.
THE ROLE OF FUNERAL CELEBRANTS AND VENUES
Melbourne funeral celebrants play a crucial role in guiding families through the process of planning a funeral, whether traditional or non-traditional. They can help you navigate the options available, from community coffins to outdoor funerals, and ensure that the funeral service reflects the wishes of the deceased and their loved ones.
When choosing funeral venues in Melbourne, consider those that accommodate natural burials and community coffins. Some funeral venues in Melbourne and the surrounding areas are specifically designed to support eco-friendly funeral services, making them an ideal choice for those who prioritise sustainability.
Community coffins offer a unique and meaningful way to honour your loved ones with dignity and environmental responsibility. By understanding their role in Melbourne funerals and dispelling common myths, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your values.
Ultimately, Community coffins provide a respectful and sustainable option that reflects the beauty and simplicity of life’s final chapter.
