What is the difference between a casket and a coffin?
Coffin
Definition
The word coffin is derived from the Greek word ‘kophinos’ meaning ‘basket’. The term coffin could also have derived from the Old French word ‘cofin’ meaning basket.
Design
A coffin is hexagonal in shape.
The six sides conform to the shape of a body, with narrow headspace, a wide shoulder design, and a tapering shape down to the feet.
Casket
Definition
A small ornamental box or chest for holding jewels, letters, or other valuable objects. In the late 19th century the funeral industry came to adopt the word “casket” as a synonym for the word coffin.
Design
A casket is four-sided and rectangular in shape.
In addition, a casket often contains a split-lid to enable people to view the decedent at a funeral viewing.
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