Can you build your own coffin for burial when you die?

Question

Okay. This is a really wild question for me to even ask, but I have to know.

My mother has stated that when she dies she wants to be layed out in her house and she wants my father to build her coffin. She does not want anything fancy. She wants a simple pine coffin. While I would try to make her wishes a reality, I don't think she is living in reality. Well, in fact, I KNOW she isn't living in reality.

First off, my father will be grieving over her death, so why would she think he would want to build her coffin? Secondly, aren't there laws against building your own coffin? Aren't there state standards?

Secondly, can someone be layed out in their house instead of a funeral home? The whole thing seems morbid to me and I'm really uncomfortable with the entire thought.

Please answer the questions to the best of your knowledge please. I already know my mother is unbalanced, so I just need some advice. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I don't think there are any laws against this...
If your Dad is a carpenter, I think it is a decent idea for a tribute to her. Why doesn't he build it NOW, and store it until time to use it?
And yes--in some cultures you are laid out in the home (Hispanics do it). THAT part I don't care for...

How does your FATHER feel about building the coffin?

Answer 2

http://www.squidoo.com/coffin/

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Dealing Creatively With Death: A Manual of Death Education and Simple Burial
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Remembering Well: Rituals for Celebrating Life and Mourning Death
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http://www.cemeterybroker.com/casket_plans.html
http://www.casketfurniture.com/casket_plans.php
http://www.casketfurniture.com/prod/simple_coffin_plan.html
simple pine coffin plan!

http://www.funerals.org/
http://www.motherearthnews.com/
search coffins

http://www.stephanieknowsbest.com/CreatingFuneral/cf.html

I have learned last year that wheter you agree with your loved ones last wishes, you should always abide by them! You'd want your survivors to the same for you! It show respect!

Answer 3

I knew a man who died and there was not a coffin big enough for him to fit in. He was 7' tall. His coffin had to be built. If you don't know for sure just call funeral homes in your area and ask them. When I was a small kid we went to Kentucky for a funeral and they had the funeral in his home. People in Kentucky have the funerals in their homes.If your mother wants a funeral in her home then that is what she should get.

Answer 4

I don't know exactly, I suppose there is government regulations about this, but I have friends who lost 2 babies ..both at around 6 months of pregnancy, and the husband built the caskets for them and that was what they were buried in.

Answer 5

I don't know why he couldn't build it.I don't know of any laws that would stop him.But this is something u shouldn't be worry about.For all u know your mom is mad at your dad and she is being sarcastic. If your really worried then u should be talking to your dad about this.Good luck