Comparatively speaking to a body that is buried naked in the earth without a casket, the pace of decomposition is slower in a coffin. This is so that the body can be preserved for a longer amount of time and the natural decay process is slowed down by caskets. However, the type of material used to create the coffin and the surrounding climate can affect the precise rate of decomposition in a casket.
A body within a casket is thought to take anywhere from several years to several decades to totally disintegrate. This is due to the fact that caskets are frequently composed of metal or wood, both of which are difficult to biodegrade. Additionally, some coffins have linings made of plastic or concrete that might inhibit the decomposition process even more.
Cremation is not expressly forbidden by the Bible, but it is also not encouraged either. Many Christians consider the body to be a gift from God that should be honored and treated with respect, which calls for interring the body in the ground as opposed to burning it. There is no official position on this matter, though, and whether to bury or cremate a body ultimately comes down to preference.
The ashes that remain after cremation might persist for a very long time. Minerals and bone fragments, which make up ashes, do not break down as quickly as other organic materials. As a result, properly preserved ashes can last for years or even millennia.
If certain requirements are completed, being buried in your garden is allowed in the UK. Included in these requirements are getting the required licenses and making sure the burial site is at least 30 meters away from any water source. Furthermore, the coffin must be biodegradable and the burial must be at least one meter deep.
In the UK, it is also acceptable to scatter ashes, but you must first get the landowner’s consent. Additionally, it’s critical to keep an eye on the environment and make sure that the scattering doesn’t injure or negatively impact the area.