Coffin and casket are two words that have been used interchangeably for a long period. It helps if you know all about caskets and coffins, as these will be the first funeral arrangements you need to make. Both coffins and caskets are used for carrying the remains of the departed in their final journey. When it comes to coffins vs. caskets, a few differences set them apart.
What’s a Casket?
A casket is a wooden or metallic container with four sides and a lid. They have a more modern appearance than coffins. A casket is a rectangular box, usually wider than it is long, used for the burial of the dead. “Casket” originally referred to a small (jewelry) case.
What is A Coffin?
A coffin has six sides and is shaped like a human being because it is designed to fit around the deceased’s body; hence it’s also called an anthropoid. The word “coffin” comes from the French word “couffin,” which means “basket.” The coffin’s lid sits on top of the box instead of hinging open from the side or underneath it like most caskets.
Different Shapes
The main difference between caskets and coffins is their shape. A casket is usually rectangular with four sides and a lid on hinges, see a basic shape at Titan Casket. A coffin is hexagonal or octagonal with six or eight sides, respectively. It’s believed that this shape makes it easier to lower into a grave as well as making it easier for the deceased to be carried. The top of the coffin also has a rounded lid, which opens up on hinges.
Usage in Different Cultures
Coffins are more common in Europe, while caskets are used in North America. In some cultures, a coffin is preferred, like in African American tradition, where you can find elaborately carved coffins made from trees native to Africa.
Materials Used
Coffins are traditionally made from wood but can also be made from metal or synthetic materials. Wood coffins come in various finishes, such as walnut, oak, cherry, mahogany, ash, poplar, pine, and cedar. Metal caskets are generally made from copper, bronze, steel, or stainless steel. Caskets are usually made of wood and metals such as bronze and steel. Caskets were first made out of wood, but now they’re available in metal, glass, and other materials.
Pricing of Coffins and Caskets
In general, coffins cost less than caskets because their manufacturing process is not complex compared to walnut caskets. As a result, people choose coffins over caskets when they consider only price as the overriding factor.
Caskets are More Modern
A casket is generally more expensive than a coffin because it is designed for viewing during services and is often more ornate. Caskets also tend to be squarer at the corners with a hinged lid that opens on one side to view the deceased and close securely. The traditional lid on a coffin opens from the head and may not close fully.
Caskets can be used for ground and cremation burials and are known for their elegant appearance. When it comes to burial, coffins are typically placed inside a concrete vault before being buried, but this is not always the case for caskets. They are available in different colors, designs, and styles. Coffins are usually made of wood, but you can get them in other materials as well.
Make the Best Pick
When planning the final journey of your loved one, you want to pick an elegant and cost-effective casket or coffin. Caskets come with various features, such as air vents, liners and seals, internal or external handles, and corner profiles. You can also opt for a custom-made casket. Coffins are similar to caskets, but they are not as wide at the shoulder area. They usually lack the features that caskets have.