In Germany, a new way of burial has been legalized: the coffin is no longer needed

In the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, the new method of burial was officially recognized as "returnable interment" or literally "Resemption" (German. «Reerdigung»). This was reported by the German media.

It is reported that during the "return burial" the body is placed in a so—called "cocoon" - a closed container filled with a mixture of hay, straw and plant materials. Oxygen is supplied inside the "cocoon" and microorganisms decompose tissues in 40 days. As a result, a substance similar in properties to the soil is formed, as well as the remains of bone fragments. After additional grinding, they are buried together in a biodegradable material.

An important detail is that the burial takes place without a traditional coffin. At the same time, it is impossible to just bury the soil with the remains in any place. This is allowed only in the cemetery or its analogues.

The method was tested for four years before official recognition, more than 80 people were buried in a new way. Today, such burial is possible in cemeteries in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Supporters of Reerdigung emphasize its "environmental advantages": no incineration and lower CO2 emissions compared to cremation. In addition, varnished coffins and synthetic materials do not get into the soil.

At the same time, the cost of return burial is not cheaper than traditional burial methods. The price of the "basic package" starts from 4250 euros. At the same time, cremation — the most popular method of burial in Germany — will cost much less: from 1,800 to 3,000 euros.

The largest Christian churches in the region supported the new form of burial. They consider it an acceptable and worthy form of farewell, compatible with the idea of resurrection, provided that the deceased are treated with respect. At the same time, critics, in turn, believe that turning the body into soil can change the traditional understanding of funerals and raises doubts about preserving the dignity of the deceased.