Shrouded Cremation
Today, families across many parts of Australia can choose a shrouded cremation, giving them the option to forgo purchasing a coffin when opting for cremation.
So what is a shroud?
The practice of shrouding dates back thousands of years. Using a shroud to cover a body has always been an option and is not a new concept. In modern times in the Western world, returning to the practice of shrouding is a way of reclaiming the lost knowledge our communities once had about how to care for our dead.
At its core, a shroud is a covering used to wrap around a dead body. Historically, the material used hasn't always been cloth; in some cultures, animal skins, tree bark, and leaves were utilized. The material is carefully tucked and wrapped around the body, creating a cocoon-like, comforting enclosure.
Shrouds have been used in Australia for generations, with various cultural communities incorporating them into their traditional burial practices. In many cultures, shrouds play a significant role in ritual and ceremony. In Jewish traditions, shrouds may be hand-stitched robes made of simple white cloth, or in Orthodox Judaism, a tunic, pants, and a belt adorned with sacred symbols. In Muslim tradition, a white cloth or natural fabric like unbleached calico is commonly used. The Bahá'í faith wraps the deceased in five pieces of pure white silk as their chosen method of shrouding.
Some shrouds are designed with pockets or compartments sewn into them, where cherished items can be placed such as letters to the deceased, small mementos, or personal treasures that were significant in their life, and that you may want to accompany them in death. There are few restrictions, and none of them concern the shroud itself. Today, many companies offer a variety of shrouds for the commercial market, with different features and fabrics, including options like backboards and handles. However, a shroud doesn't have to be anything elaborate—it can also be a simple bed sheet, a beloved blanket, or a piece of cloth that held special meaning to the person.
What is a shrouded cremation?
When a body is placed in a cremator, it typically needs to be on a hard, flat base because the body is moved into the cremator on rollers. To address this "shroud bearers" or "shroud carriages" have now been developed. These are designed with a solid, flat base, handles for easy manoeuvrability, and are made from a variety of materials such as wood, plywood, cardboard and wicker.
Shroud bearers and shroud carriages are an affordable option bypassing the need for a coffin thus eliminating the need for additional purchases. They can also serve as a practical solution for transporting a body, by providing the structure and support required, while still ensuring the body is moved with dignity and care.