Coffins and Caskets

[DemonSlayerMau]

So does anyone know the difference between a Coffin and a Casket? Both are used to bury the dead, some argue that it's all about terminology because in Europe, they refer to the box to bury the dead as a coffin...while a casket is a box that holds jewlry (no kidding!)
But in the US, we use the term casket. My dad even talks about getting a casket.
A friend of mine and I were talking about it, joking around saying "I was coughin'" instead of "coughing" and it sounds like "coffin." And we talked about how back in the old days they used coffins instead of caskets.
The other arguement is that it has to do with the shape of the container. Caskets are rectagular in shape and has straight edges, coffins have a specific shape to them. I think coffins look cooler if you ask me, although some of the caskets look comfortable enough to sleep in. (Speaking of being comfortable, my mom said she wants to be buried in her pajamas. I can't blame her, those fancy suits and dresses they bury people in gotta be uncomfortable!)
Anyway, I thought the discussion of coffins and caskets would fit right into the Halloween theme.

[Pumpkin_Man]

I don't think there's any differenc at all. It's like the word "car" vs the word "automotile." They both mean the sme thing. All though I ahve heard, and I could be wrong, that a coffin's lid is all in one piece. When you open a coffin, you reveal the entire body. A casket lid is split in two, and only the upper half of the lid is opened so people canpay their last respects.

I can't swear to that, but I did hear it.

Mike

[ilovemichaelmyers]

Well, it doesn't really matter one way or another, I just know I don't want to be in either one anytime soon!

[DemonSlayerMau]

I believe there is a difference with both the lid and the shape of the box.
Sure, I see your point about "car" and "automobile" but...I would say they're about as different as a "car" and say a "truck." Are. Both have the same purpose, but you can do things with one that you can't do with the other and vice versa.

[Pumpkin_Man]

That's true, but you can only do one thing with a coffin or a casket. It's used for burrial. Perhaps a coffin has a single, one piece lid, and is shaped ore like a five sidded figure, where a casket has a split lid and has more of what we are use to seeing today. I've heard both terms used interchangeably, too. I also think caskets are more modern then coffins. The ancient Egyptians and other ancient cultures used a burrial box called a sarcophagus, which is basicaly a stone coffin with a 2000 poundl id. It's also in one piece, but does not have hinges due to the fact that the lid wold be boo heavy to lift.

Mike

[Pumpkin_Man]

Actualy I ahve to make a correction here. Coffins are 6 sidedn not 5 sided like I thought. (Hexigon)

Mike

[DemonSlayerMau]

Well their function is pretty much the same yes, both are used for burying the dead.
Interesting point with the egyptian culture, I've always found that fascinating. The egyptians mummified their dead, and took out their organs placing them in separate jars. They also threw away the brain and sucked it out through a straw. A friend of mine and I made a joke about that. It basically goes that in the after life the egyptian gods kept the pharoahs as pets because without their brains, they weren't anymore intelligent than a dog. So the egyptian gods would be talking about which phaoroahs they had, and it was all their plan all along to keep the pharoahs as pets in the afterlife. That's why they threw out their brains.
But on a serious note, the egyptians just didn't know what a brain was, and like many old cultures of the day, a lot of people thought their feelings came from their hearts. In egyptian culture they believed they would have their hearts weighed by Osirus the God of Death. If they were good, they go to go to the afterlife....if they were bad...and correct me if I'm wrong...but they would get eaten by Apep. Don't quote me on it though, because I'll have to check and make sure. It may be another monster they get eaten by.
Some people cremate their dead too, and put the ashes into an urn. That's the one way I rather not be buried when I die. Although the people who have their ashes scattered along the ocean...in a way it seems beautiful.
It doesn't really matter what you believe, because all our bodies will end up the same....they return to the earth. "From dust thy came, and from dust thou shalt return."

[Pumpkin_Man]

That's about the name of it, DemonSlayer. We all are headed in the same direction as far as eternity is concerned. I amd going in for surgery on Monday, so I was involved in making out my Last Will & Testiment," living will and powers of attourney. It'w a hastle, but at least my possessions will be given to those I want them to go to just in case I don't make it. BUT, I'm going to make it.

As for my burrial, the only thng that really matters to me is that they have my wake and funeral in Dwight Illinois, and that my Funeral Mass be said at my parish, St. Patricks.

Mike

[DemonSlayerMau]

It's a good idea to be prepared pumpkin man, but I hope you do make it through this.
My grandmother survived open heart surgery, they gave her ten years to live and it's been past ten years and she's still going.
Yep, as far as our bodies are concerned, all our fates are the same. But with our souls, that's another question and it all depends on what you believe. I believe in Heaven and Hell, but there are times when I'm not sure.

[Andybev01]

A casket can be any type of box with a lid, that is made to hold just about anything.

For instance http://www.malleries.com/antique-baccar ... =true#img3

But from what I can find, a coffin is just a coffin.

"Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum, Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come."

-Auden,Wystan Hugh

[DemonSlayerMau]

Thanks for sharing that Andy, I remember reading somewhere about that.
I believe it's the british who call any container a casket. Or at least they do in Europe anyway.
I think the Americans just like to make it sound nicer than a coffin does.

[DemonSlayerMau]

Thanks for sharing that Andy, I remember reading somewhere about that.
I believe it's the british who call any container a casket. Or at least they do in Europe anyway.
I think the Americans just like to make it sound nicer than a coffin does.

[Pumpkin_Man]

That';s the first time I ever saw a jewelry case refered to as a casket.

Mike

[Andybev01]

A good friend comes from a family in the funeral business. He turned me on to some darkly humorous accessories that I think my fellow haunters would enjoy.

http://www.pushindaisies.com/candypress ... roduct=628

http://www.undergroundhumor.com/?referrer=google

I want the chip-n-dip set.