Why Are You Buried Without Shoes? And Other Funeral Industry Facts

We hardly ever think about the specifics of the traditions and practices when we think about death and funerals. The fact that the deceased is frequently buried without shoes is one of the stranger ones. What gives, though? The response is really straightforward: practicality. The fluids used to embalm a body may cause the feet to enlarge. Shoes wouldn’t fit correctly, and they would even hurt the feet. Shoes take up room in the coffin or casket as well, which can be a factor if the dead was taller or heavier than typical. Therefore, even though it may seem strange, it is done for practical reasons. What’s the distinction between a coffin and a casket, to speak of them? Although the two phrases are sometimes used synonymously, there is a technical distinction. A casket is rectangular and has a hinged lid, but a coffin is six-sided, with a broader shoulder area and a tapered foot area. Nowadays, caskets are more popular than coffins, which are less common.

The Batesville Casket Company, which has been around for more than a century, is one of the biggest producers of caskets. They create caskets in a range of pricing ranges, from entry-level versions constructed of high-end materials like bronze and mahogany to more reasonably priced options.

But who is in charge of the entire funeral business? The solution is a little more intricate. The majority of funeral homes and cemeteries in the United States and other nations are owned by a small number of huge businesses. Service Corporation International (SCI), StoneMor Partners, and Carriage Services are a few of the major participants. However, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, there are still lots of privately operated funeral businesses and cemeteries.

The price is one aspect of the funeral industry that many people regret. Funerals and burials can be exceedingly pricey; in the US, the average cost is between $7,000 and $12,000. This can be attributed to a number of things, such as the price of caskets or urns, the cost of embalming and other preparation procedures, and the costs of the funeral home and cemetery. There can also be extra charges for items like funeral flowers, obituaries, and transportation.

In conclusion, there are a lot of fascinating and even startling facts regarding the funeral business. Although it may seem strange, it is customary to bury a person without shoes. This is done for practical reasons. Technically speaking, caskets and coffins differ from one another, with caskets being the more popular option today. Despite the fact that the market is dominated by a few major multinationals, there are still many independent cemeteries and funeral houses. Last but not least, there are several reasons why the price of funerals and burials might be rather costly.