Hanging Coffins

The term hanging coffins actually refer to two quite different things but nonetheless apply the same concept (of suspending the coffins). The first is a method used for burials (although the fact that the body is not being put underground is a matter of debate among some people) and the latter is an interior design innovation that is becoming more widespread among homes in the United States.

The Role of Hanging Coffins in Ancient Burial Rites

Hanging coffins are part of the funeral customs of several minority tribes in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The coffins or caskets are usually laid down on beams projecting from the vertical walls of cliffs or mountains. They can also be placed inside caves on the cliff faces or placed on natural rock projections. One of the beliefs behind this practice is that by suspending the hanging coffins, they are bringing the deceased closer to heaven. Others still claim a more practical reason for doing so by saying that it prevents beasts from devouring the body once it is laid to rest. For the Chinese, placing the dead in hanging coffins guarantee that the souls will be eternally blessed.

Where to Buy Hanging Coffins

As previously mentioned, hanging coffins can be found in three different countries. The ones in China are located in the Wuyi Mountains (Fujian Province), Hubei, Longhushan, Yibin, Qutang Gorge, and Yunnan Province. In the Philippines, they are located in Sagada and the ones in Indonesia can be found in the Londa Nanggala Cave. Hanging coffins are one of the most popular tourist attractions for these locations and truly are a sight to behold. Not only does it show the devotion that these people have for their dead but also makes a truly stunning spectacle to see so many coffins balanced and arranged perfectly against rocky surfaces.

Hanging Coffins for the Home

Now before you start freaking out at the thought of having dead people suspended from your ceiling, that particular image is not what having hanging coffins at home is all about. This is a design innovation that is being employed in kitchens and bathrooms. Simply put, they are taking the place of traditional overhead shelving units. Though they have the same function, the shape and accents are distinctly made to resemble those of an old-fashioned toe-pincher style coffin. For those who might find it a bit hard to accommodate the unconventional shape, they use that of a rectangular casket instead as it is easier to arrange other fixtures around it. Since this is still a relatively new trend, you won’t find this particular style produced by ready-made modular kitchen and bathroom manufacturers. These hanging coffins are made to order from specific artisans and designers but can also be commissioned from building contractors as long as they have a design or plan that they can follow. In the bathroom, you will commonly see it as a replacement for the medicine cabinet. The finish can be matched with your existing theme so that everything will blend well together.