The History of Natural Earth Burial
Since the beginning of time, mankind has had different ways of handling the dead and death in general. Burial and funeral customs have evolved and vary from culture to culture. One of the oldest types of burial that is still used today is the natural burial.
Natural burial, as its name clearly states, is a process in which the human body is laid to rest in the earth to decompose naturally.
The purpose of a natural burial is to return the body to the soil in a way that allows it to be "recycled". The phrase "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust" applies to this type of burial practice that has an important place in human history.
Where and When Did the Concept of Natural Burials Begin?
Primitive man was scared of death as it was something they didn't understand. Cavemen simply left their dead where they found them to be eaten by vultures or other animals and ran away.
As time passed, Paleolithic and Neolithic man began to take care of their dead and natural burials began. As far back as the Neolithic age, there is evidence of specific burial grounds where the tribes' deceased were taken.
These primitive natural burials had the deceased laid in shallow graves and covered with earth. Some were also put in caves. All of this was done to scare away the deceased's spirit and to return the body to its true place of origin.
Burying Naturally & Cultural Beliefs
The Ancient Empires: Greek, Roman and Egyptian also practiced natural burials among the common folk, who were often buried with some utensils or food to eat on the way to the afterlife according to each culture's religious beliefs.
Natural burials were in shallow graves and the body was often placed in everyday clothes or wrapped in cloth. This didn't hinder the decomposing process and eventually the body was simply part of the earth once more.
Natural burials began to be the norm after this period, both for religious reasons and out of respect for the deceased and their family.
Respect for the family was shown by putting the dead person's body out of sight in a grave, which was believed to lessen the loved ones' grief. The custom was of holding the funeral in the deceased person's home and later having the burial on their land.
Burial Beyond Home - Natural Burials & Cemeteries
As time passed, burial grounds were made specifically for use as cemeteries. Natural burials were moved to these places which were usually next to the town church or place of worship.
These more modern funerals changed the natural burial custom by placing the deceased inside a coffin. However, contrary to today's customs, the coffin was a simple wooden box with no decorations, so as to not delay the decomposition of the dead.
In the past two centuries, as man has evolved into a less personal being, funerals began to be ceremonious.
Coffins gave way to caskets made of everything from wood to glass, steel and other metals.
However, the practice of natural burials can still be seen in Native American Indians and other cultures. Also, the hype for everything "green" has helped natural burials make a continuous comeback.