Burial

Burial, also known as interment is the action or practice in which a dead body is placed into the ground where decomposition takes place. Traditionally burial has taken place in a churchyard or cemetery. However, with the rise of environmental awareness and rising costs. It is becoming increasingly popular to use a Natural or Green Burial Ground or even burial on Private Land. 

Natural or Green Burial

Natural or Green Burial is the interment of a dead body into the ground where decomposition takes place in a completely natural way. Usually, embalming of the body is rejected and everything put into the ground; coffins, shrouds, flowers etc needs to be biodegradable. Ultimately, the dead body is naturally recycled. The body returns to the soil where it encourages the natural habitat to thrive and wildlife to return. More information can be found at www.naturaldeath.org.uk 

Burial on Private Land

The number of interments on privately owned land is relatively small. Indeed, many people are not aware this is even an option. Here’s what you need to know:

• Consent must be obtained from the owner of the freehold.

• The freeholder should check burial restrictions attached to the title deeds.

• The burial site should not be within certain specified distances from water.

• The person responsible for the burial must obtain a Certificate of Authority for Burial. Often referred to as a ‘green form.’ The bottom must be filled out and returned to the Local Authorities Registrar.

• A ‘Burial Register’ recording the details of the person buried and where must be made and kept in a safe place.

• Planning permission is not likely to be required for a single burial. Higher numbers of burials would be seen as a ‘change of use’ and planning permission would need to be sought. More details can be found at www.naturaldeath.org.uk

Burial at Sea

Burial at sea is the disposal of a dead body in the ocean. It is normally carried out from a ship or a boat of your own arranging. In the UK this can be legally carried out at:

• New Haven in East Sussex

• The Needled Spoil Ground on the Isle of Wight

• Tynemouth in Northumbria

Cremation

Cremation is a method of disposing of a dead body through burning with intense heat. The machine used to cremate bodies is called a Cremator. Cremators are housed in a building called a Crematorium.

Direct Burial or Cremation

This option in becoming increasingly popular. It is a stand-alone event where the dead body is either buried or cremated without a service or ceremony.

It is the simplest and most economical way of disposing of a dead body.

Donating your body to science

You can donate your body to medical science. The body then benefits medical teaching and research. More information is available by contacting your local medical school. Details of which can be found at www.hta.gov.uk.

There is a process to follow and paperwork to fill in. Sometimes, the medical schools are unable to accept a dead body. It’s recommended to have a plan ‘B.’

MUSIC

Music can set the tone of a funeral. It invites mourners to express their grief together. Usually music can be played on entry, exit, reflection, committal and singing of hymns. Don’t be afraid to consider music that was significant to the person who has died. However, be mindful that the music you chose will always remind you of the funeral upon hearing it again.

WORDING

For a lot of people this is the most daunting part of arranging a funeral. Often seen as the most difficult, problematic and complicated part of a funeral. As a celebrant part of my role is to help individuals and families create a funeral script by suggesting appropriate wording. Once again there are no rules but as a rule of thumb the following can apply; words of welcome, introduction and thanks. Words of explanation, announcements and words of comfort on departure.

POETRY, PRAYER OR READING

Poetry, prayer or readings can add another dimension to a funeral. A lot can be said in very few words. An appropriate poem, prayer or reading can reflect the essence of the person who has died…it might just be perfect. Even if the person who has died didn’t like poetry or wasn’t particularly religious…it’s important not to rule it out.

EULOGY OR BIOGRAPHY

To some, this may be the single most important part of a funeral service. It is when treasured memories, achievements, quotes and sometimes jokes are shared. It reflects the person who has died and the life they led. Be mindful to echo the person’s life fully. Those who attend usually know the deceased very well…warts and all!

SILENT REFLECTION

This can be offered at any point during the service. It gives mourners time for their own private thoughts, perhaps say a silent prayer or reflect on how the death will impact on their own life. 

WAKE

By inviting others into action in the service you are engaging mourners and requesting them to put their grief into motion. Mourners will do this by sharing memories and anecdotes.  

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE CEREMONY

This might be family members or friends who wish to say something. Either in person or something to be read out on their behalf. It could also be a poem, prayer or reading. Some contributors might like to play a musical instrument or sing.

When contributing to a funeral by reading something remember to practice, use large font and double line spacing.

Also be kind to yourself if you get emotional…it is understandable and definitely allowed.

CULTURAL OR RELIGIOUS RITUALS OR OBJECTS

Symbols or symbolic acts can often offer a focal point and sense of comfort to mourners. For example; a cross, lighting a candle, planting a memorial tree, releasing doves, balloons or bubbles. Tying notes to the coffin, writing on the coffin, wearing particular clothing or use of a memory jar.

Please be mindful of the environmental impact of any tokens. Plastic helium balloons stuck in trees, floating on rivers and polluting the oceans. Such thoughtful yet thoughtless action may not reflect the deceased wishes.

PICTORIAL TRIBUTE

The life of the person who has died can be remembered through pictures. The pictures are usually set to music chosen by the family at the funeral itself or afterwards at the wake. Be mindful that not all venues will have the ready technology to do this…you may need to think outside the box and know someone who is technology minded.