Shrouds and shroud boards have traditionally been used only in religious ceremonies of certain faiths, however, with the funeral industry evolving and adopting a variety of nontraditional practices, shrouds and shroud boards are becoming more popular in nonreligious ceremonies. Because shrouds have traditionally only been used in certain religions, many do not know what they are, what purpose they serve, and the ways that they can be used. Those who are better educated on the purpose of shrouds tend to gravitate towards them as they are more economical, environmentally friendly, and can be used in both burial and cremation. These factors make them ideal for many families and are worth consideration when planning a funeral for a loved one.
Shrouds are composed of an eco-friendly fabric, usually bamboo, cotton, canvas, or even silk. The shrouds can have soft muslin or fleece linings and a sturdier, more visually appealing fabric on the outside. The shrouds are usually a simple shape that has been designed to be folded around the body in a variety of ways. The shrouds can come with or without handles, depending on whether a shroud board will be used. If the family chooses to use just a shroud with handles, there will usually be a pocket to insert a plain board in the shroud to support the body during transportation. If the family chooses to use a shroud and shroud board, the shroud board can also vary according to personal preference.
Shroud boards are almost like baskets that the shrouded body can be placed on for transportation purposes. The shroud board can be simple and made of pine, or it can be a beautifully flat weaved basket. The make of the board, similar to the shroud, depends on family preference. In this way, a shroud and shroud board can be preferable because they have the ability of being personalized to such an extent. The family can also decorate them in any way they wish before the funeral. This can be done with flowers, other fabric, or even fabric markers. The personalization of the shroud often adds a sweet, familial touch to the service.
Shrouds are a great alternative to caskets as they are more economical and are eco-friendly. A simple shroud only costs around $300, compared to caskets which are thousands of dollars. The price of a shroud fluctuates with the design of the shroud and whether or not a shroud board is being used. Because of this, they are perfect for families who wish to hold a beautiful funeral service on a low budget. Shrouds are also a great option for those who are having an eco-friendly funeral or a natural burial. The majority of Shrouds are not composed of any harmful, nonbiodegradable materials. They also don’t contain any metals or toxic materials that cannot be cremated. Shrouds bought from a credible location almost always fulfill natural burial or cremation requirements, although this should always be checked with the cemetery or crematorium.
If a family is choosing to have a low-cost, natural burial, a shroud is usually a great option. The shrouds are incredibly versatile and the body can be wrapped before or after the funeral services, and then transported to the gravesite. They are also perfect for those who are choosing to have a family-led funeral as the body can be shrouded in the family’s own home. The portability of the shroud also allows the family to lower the body into the grave themselves, something that typically cannot be done with a traditional casket.
Furthermore, if a family is choosing cremation following a service, a shroud is ideal. Typically, all material used in a shroud and shroud board fulfill cremation requirements. As with burial, the body can be shrouded at any point before or after the services and transported easily to the crematorium. Shrouds also ensure that no excess resources, such as wood, are being wasted during the cremation process. Bodies can be cremated in the shroud, or it can be removed before cremation for keepsake purposes. The versatility of a shroud allows for family to have more control over end-of-life proceedings.
Shrouds and shroud boards, while not commonly used in today’s culture, are gaining more popularity. The eco-friendly, economical material is quite versatile for burial and cremation. The shrouds and shroud boards also offer high amounts of personalization and can be chosen and changed to fit every individual family’s needs. The shrouds offer an alternate option to those who wish to have a low-cost, eco-friendly, beautiful service for any family member or loved one.