The circle of life is inevitable. As we grow older, we come closer to the moment when we say goodbye to this world. More and more people are taking control of their own funeral, and this also includes the choice of a shroud. This blog discusses the pros and cons of a shroud, and provides an image to help you make a choice that suits you.
What is a shroud?
A shroud (usually called a shroud or funeral shroud, but sometimes also a death shroud, farewell shroud, natural shroud, death cloth, or wrap cloth) is a cloth in which a deceased person is wrapped for the funeral. It can be of various sizes. It is an alternative to a coffin, and has a long and rich tradition that goes back to ancient times. Shrouds come in various materials, colors and sizes, and can be decorated or undecorated.
What does a shroud look like?
The shroud is essentially a large cloth that can wrap around the entire body. Choosing a shroud is a personal choice. There are several factors you can consider, such as your own values, personal beliefs and your wishes. Just as you can choose whether you want a coffin to be open or closed, you can also choose whether you want a shroud to be open or closed.
The advantages of a shroud:
There are many advantages to a shroud, such as:
Environmentally friendly: Shrouds are a lot more environmentally friendly than coffins. Coffins are often made of wood and metal, which is more harmful to the environment than a shroud that can be absorbed by nature without harmful substances.
Simple and dignified: Shrouds are easy to use. The deceased is wrapped in the shroud and can then be buried or cremated. No coffin is needed, which makes the funeral simpler and often cheaper (a stretcher is usually still needed).
Personal and unique: Shrouds can be beautifully personalized. You can choose a favorite color or pattern, something that matches the deceased's clothing, make an additional piece of clothing, make or attach decorations. There are many possibilities.
Natural grave: When you choose a natural grave, a shroud is a beautiful way to wrap a body. It fits in very well with the atmosphere and emotion of this way of burial.
Proximity: Because the contours of the body are more recognizable, this can give a feeling of proximity. This way, the deceased remains close until the last moment.
Choice: There are many choices in types of fabrics and colors of fabric and also quality marks. Especially if you decide to make a shroud yourself.
Wrapping: Wrapping is often experienced and remembered as a precious moment (Can also be done without loved ones present).
The disadvantages of a shroud:
These are possible disadvantages of a shroud:
Usuality: Depending on where you live, it might (not yet) be the most common way to be buried in a shroud. Some people may therefore find it a strange choice at first, but after some getting used to it, it is often experienced as beautiful, special and comforting.
Portable: In addition to the funeral shroud, a stretcher must usually be used on which the wrapped body is placed.
Contours: The contours of the deceased can sometimes be confronting for the relatives.
How do you wrap a shroud?
Wrapping or folding a shroud is a special ritual. A funeral director can do this with the help of the relatives or only the relatives. The ebook Make a Shroud Yourself can help with shrouding a body. It also describes the options for the desired degree of covering. The various folding techniques to place the deceased nicely in the shroud are also described. Wrapping a shroud can be a valuable experience and a beautiful memory of the farewell. After wrapping, personal items, notes, poems or flowers can be placed between the folds of the shroud. This can help loved ones process the process.
How to make a burial shroud?
Do you want to know more about shrouds and how to make them yourself? On the website of DeWade you will find the ebook Make a Shroud Yourself with extensive information. In it you will find tips and advice about choosing the right materials, determining the right size, measuring and cutting the fabric, and making and decorating the shroud. And also about wrapping a body, wrapping or folding it, how that works. I had no idea about the latter myself, and that is why I also included it in the ebook Make a Shroud Yourself. This e-book is the only e-book where you can find everything about it. A valuable gift for yourself and everyone you know.
Do you want to record your wishes for your Dream Funeral?
If you also want to record your wishes about this, this wish list can help you. Whether you want a shroud or a coffin, for example, you can indicate this together with many more wishes. It is all about your wishes and everything is fine. Various options have been included for more sustainable choices.
There is also the eco version that requires less ink for printing:
Valuable funeral
Hopefully this blog has helped you explore the possibilities of a shroud. Take the time to decide what suits you and discuss your choice with your family and loved ones. Death is hopefully! still very far away, but perhaps also quite close. In any case, it is getting closer and closer for everyone. It is good that you are already thinking about this. A shroud provides a warm, soft and meaningful farewell. The fabric and the wrapping make it something very special. Hopefully this has helped you get an idea of what a shroud is and whether you want one.
I wish you all good and a beautiful day!
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