While not all green cemeteries operate in the same way, the following is a typical description of what happens when someone is buried there. One significant distinction between green and traditional burial is that attendees are an integral part of the service, with numerous opportunities to participate. Check out the funeral homes in Deer Park, OH to answer questions about the green burial experience that will help make it meaningful for all.
Arriving at the Cemetery
If a funeral director was hired, you may be greeted at the cemetery by him or her, who will act as a guide to the family and participants, explaining the process and what is about to happen, unless the family chooses to do so themselves.
How the Body Might Appear
Green burials necessitate the use of biodegradable containers rather than steel, bronze, copper, or exotic hardwood caskets. A pine coffin made by a family member, neighbor, or a local craftsperson, wicker, sea grass, another woven basket, or any other container designed to degrade quickly in the ground are examples of these. Shrouds, carried on shrouding boards or with a removable board in a shroud pocket, are also recommended. The body form will be visible in the case of shrouds, and attendees should be aware that some people prefer to keep the head uncovered until the moment of lowering.
Processionals
Staff from the cemetery may be waiting at the entrance with a burial cart or other means of transporting the body to the gravesite. The family may choose to help place the deceased on the cart and guide it to the chapel or graveside for the service.
How the Grave Appears
Green burial graves are dug about 3.5 feet deep, rather than the five to six feet required for large caskets in cement vaults. Instead of indoor-outdoor carpeting, wide boards with green paint are placed around the grave edges to prevent collapse. To soften the appearance, the gravesite may be adorned with natural local greenery along the grave floor or covering the excavated dirt mound.
The Service
One of the most significant advantages of green burial is the restoration of ceremonies and rituals that had all but vanished in the aftermath of direct cremation. Clergy services, military honors, and various types of music may all be used to commemorate the life of the departed.
Lowering the Body
In preparation for lowering, ropes or straps are laid across. The rails are removed once the weight has been transferred from the rails to the ropes or straps, and the casket or shroud is lowered into the grave.
Burial in a Shroud
Additional ropes or straps can be used to lower the body if it is tightly shrouded. A shrouding board is also useful during transport and lowering, especially if the shroud is loosely wrapped, and the board can be buried with or without the body.
Filling in the Tomb
The family may choose to help with the placement of the body on the boards above the gravesite. Once the site has been backfilled, the family will usually place a marker, if one exists. There will be plenty of time for graveside reflection both during and after the interment.
There are green and environmentally friendly funeral homes in Deer Park, OH. Whatever works best for you, a green funeral or natural burial is a fantastic idea. If you need assistance in planning an eco-friendly funeral or have any questions, please contact us by phone or in person, and we will gladly assist you.
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