At Cradle to Grave Willow Coffins we are often contacted by families around the country, who are looking for a more sustainable, eco-friendly and more aesthetically pleasing alternative to a traditional wooden coffin to say goodbye to their loved ones.
Recently, we had a phone call from a greek family in London, who were nursing their 100 year old family elder. He was close to passing away and had said his goodbyes to the family, who were caring for him at home in his last days and hours.
This particular family were holding a family farewell in their beautiful garden, allowing them to hold their own personal ceremony and say their last farewells.
They had planned and organised the whole funeral all by themselves. The granddaughter had attended a 'care of the body’ course with a friend of ours and had learned everything she needed to know, so when the time came the family could give their beloved grandfather a beautiful home funeral.
A home funeral is where the family care for their loved one at home in their final days, so they can die peacefully at home in familiar surroundings, surrounded by their loving family, allowing them time and private space to come to terms with their loss.
The relative can be washed and laid to rest in a beautiful willow coffin, surrounded by flowers, scented herbs and lighted candles, while mourning takes place.
The next day, after the home funeral, the coffin is taken to the crematorium early to have a direct cremation.
This is such a wonderful thing to do, where the family have spent time with their loved one, and have already started the grieving process and acceptance that they are no longer with them.
Pictured below is the beautiful coffin we made for the grandfather, crafted from our own home grown white willow and hand dyed blue willow to honour the greek flag, as this gentleman served as a sailor in The Greek Navy.
