15 Surprising Developments in Gravesite Technology

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15 Surprising Developments in Gravesite Technology

Wstockstudio/Shutterstock, 2banne/Atlas Obscura

Death is kind of a universal experience that we all must go through, but the ways in which we commemorate those we have lost are varied and ever-changing. From QR codes on headstones to safety coffins to prevent premature burial, to clear LED-lit Buddhas and even tree burials, the possibilities for our final farewells seem to be ever-expanding. 

We’ll explore 15 of these modern burial practices, from the unexpected to the eco-friendly, and uncover the stories behind them. From the first emperor of China’s quest for immortality, to the fear of premature burial in 18th century Europe, to a startup offering a wallet-friendly, eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials — we’ll look at how technology and innovation are changing the way we commemorate our dead. We’ll also consider the psychological implications of funeral webcasting, and the legalities of human composting. 

Join us as we explore the ways in which we are saying goodbye.

Terror of premature burial: glass-topped grave and bell in hand.

Gravesite Tech A TWO-ROOM GRAVE WITH A VIEW Timothy Clark Smith, a doctor, diplomat and world traveler, was buried in a grave with a glass window in the top, due to his fear of being buried alive. The grave also included a bell in his hand to signal for help, and a second room for his wife. CRACKED

Geoff Howard (via Amusing Planet)

Amusing Planet

Tree-mendous afterlives: Burial and tree-planting in one.

Gravesite Tech TREE BURIALS One startup offers tree burials as an alternative to traditional burial and cremation, with each body planted directly under a tree and becoming part of the tree as it decomposes. The company also plans to plant 1,000 additional trees when customers reserve a future burial. Endings are beginnings Transcend for Peta مؤسسة - Sung DAR CRACKED

Transcend

Fast Company

The hidden dangers of QR codes: Privacy, obsolescence, and more.

Gravesite Tech QR CODES ON HEADSTONES QR codes have become popular in many industries, and are now even being used on headstones to link to online memorials. However, their use raises issues of privacy, obsolescence, and propriety, as well as the potential for QR codes to become indecipherable in the future. Matthew R. Osowski пог ٥٤ kjnf April17. 1983 MATTHEW R. OSOWSKI APRIL 17 1983 - JULY 30, 2011 LOVING HUSBAND AND SON CRACKED

Forever Headstone

The Atlantic

Say goodbye: Living coffin accelerates body’s journey to soil.

Gravesite Tech THE LIVING COFFIN Bob Hendrikx has developed a fast-composting living coffin made of mycelium, which has been used in the Netherlands. The coffin actively contributes to the decomposition of the body and enriches the surrounding soil quality within two to three years. CRACKED

Loop

The Guardian

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