A Brief History of Golden Caskets

It is important to keep in mind that not all caskets are used in burial or funerals.  Some are used merely as containers for jewelry or artifacts.  Golden caskets often have a religious significance.  Many relics from Buddhism and Christianity are kept in elaborate golden caskets. For example, the thirty-three relics of Buddha are stored in golden caskets around the world.  These relics range from items that Buddha used to some of his teeth and his collarbone.  Most of the Buddha relics are housed in museums and are rarely displayed to the public. 

The ancient Egyptians often used golden caskets to entomb the mummies of Pharaohs and other important public figures.  The ancient Egyptians believed that people could take their possessions with them to the afterlife and would bury a person’s belongings and pets with them.  The Pharaohs’ servants were often killed and buried when the Pharaoh died in order to continue their service in the afterlife.  Golden caskets were used to entomb the mummies as well as many items that the person used in day-to-day life.  These golden caskets are priceless archeological finds that are studied thoroughly and kept in museums around the world.  Scientists still use these artifacts to learn about ancient Egyptian society. 

Some modern day caskets have golden decorations.  People may choose to have a golden cross or other religious symbols on the casket.  These decorations are often expensive, but they can be extremely beautiful and detailed, adding luxury to the casket.     

Golden caskets are rare works of art that contain some of the world’s great treasures.  Modern day caskets with gold inlays or decoration can help people say goodbye to their loved one with style and dignity.