The crown placed on top of a coffin is a long-standing funeral tradition, particularly for royalty, nobility, and heads of state. But what exactly happens to these crowns after the funeral service ends? Here we will explore the history behind funeral crowns, what materials they are made of, and what becomes of them after the burial.
The History of Funeral Crowns
The tradition of placing crowns on top of coffins dates back centuries and originated as a symbol of power and status. In medieval Europe, it was common for kings, queens, and other royalty to be buried with a crown signifying their noble standing. Even if the deceased monarch no longer wore an actual crown in life, a funerary crown would often be specially made for their coffin.
This funeral crown was typically modeled after the kind of crown the royal would have worn while reigning. For instance, the coffin crown might take the shape of a domed, jeweled crown or an open circlet of golden leaves. These crowns were an important part of the pomp and grandeur of a royal funeral procession, reminding onlookers of the deceased’s sovereignty.
The custom of burying heads of state with a crown continued well beyond medieval Europe. When Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, his coffin was placed on view in the White House and Capitol rotunda with a silver crown adorned with stars symbolizing the federal union.
Modern Funeral Crowns
While the full majesty of medieval funeral crowns may be a thing of the past, more subdued versions still appear today. Modern coffin crowns are largely made of flowers or other organic materials rather than jewels and precious metals. They may be constructed simply of the deceased’s favorite flowers or woven into a wreath shape.
Funeral crowns today are most commonly used to honor heads of state and high-ranking officials. When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, his simple wooden coffin was topped with a funerary crown made of gold and white flowers. In the United States, several first ladies, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Nancy Reagan, have been buried with wreath-like floral coffin crowns.
Materials Used in Funeral Crowns
As mentioned above, funeral crowns have been crafted from a variety of materials over the centuries. Here are some of the most common:
Precious Metals and Jewels
In earlier eras, royal coffin crowns were often made of luxurious materials like gold or silver and studded with gems, pearls, and other precious stones. These were intended to symbolize the wealth and eminence of the deceased monarch. The funeral crown placed on King Henry IV of France’s coffin in 1610, for instance, was gold and silver and set with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
Flowers
Today, floral arrangements are the most prevalent material used in coffin crowns. Fresh flowers like lilies or roses are frequently woven into wreaths or other circular shapes meant to evoke a crown. Dried flowers may also be used. The simplicity and natural beauty of flowers conveys a sense of honor and tribute.
Evergreens
Evergreen branches or leaves are another common organic material seen in modern funeral crowns. Evergreen boughs symbolize the eternal life of the soul. Sprigs of rosemary, a traditional funeral herb, are also sometimes incorporated for remembrance.
Herbs
Beyond rosemary, other herbs like lavender or lemon thyme may be dried and used in coffin crowns, usually mingled with flowers and evergreens. The herbs’ aromas lend a sweet scent.
Wood
For very simple coffin crowns, wood may be used, carved into a round wreath shape. Soft, pliable woods like willow are preferable to craft a crown frame that can then be decorated with elements like flowers, herbs, or ribbons. Papier mâché or woven straw offer other basic crown options.
What Happens to the Crown after Burial?
What is the final fate of the coffin crown once the funeral ends? There are a few possible outcomes:
Burial with the Coffin
Historically, it was common for a royal funeral crown to be interred in the tomb alongside the coffin. In these cases, the crown would be placed directly on top of the coffin right before the tomb was sealed. This allowed the crown to remain with the deceased monarch as an enduring emblem of their sovereignty and stature.
Some modern coffin crowns also accompany the casket into the grave. The flowers and organic materials decompose along with the coffin. For very significant public figures like heads of state, the crown may be buried both out of tradition and to prevent it being taken as a morbid souvenir.
Cremation with the Body
If the deceased is to be cremated instead of buried, their coffin crown may be cremated as well. For flower or herb crowns, this allows the organic crown materials to be reduced to ashes alongside the body. Any precious metals or jewels decorating the crown would also become part of the ashes. This unified cremation reflects the crown’s intimate connection with the deceased.
Removal before Burial
Oftentimes today, the coffin crown is not left on for burial but respectfully removed after the conclusion of the funeral service. The crown has served its symbolic purpose throughout the funeral rites but is not intended to remain permanently.
After removal, the crown may be kept by the deceased’s family as a memento. For significant public figures, the crown may be preserved and put on display by a cultural institution or museum. The Russian Imperial Crowns worn by the last Tsar and Tsarina, for example, have been exhibited at the Kremlin Diamond Fund.
Dispersal to Mourners
Finally, some families choose to distribute elements of the coffin crown to funeral guests as a keepsake. The flowers may be distributed in smaller arrangements, or ribbons and other decorative accents may be cut into portions for attendees. In this way, the significance of the crown is dispersed among those who cared for the departed.
Famous Examples of Coffin Crowns
To illustrate how funeral crowns have honored notable figures throughout history, here are a few specific examples:
King Louis XIII of France
When 17th century French King Louis XIII died in 1643, his coffin was topped with a dazzling golden crown decorated in purple velvet and fleurs-de-lis. His queen consort Anne of Austria also wore a golden funeral crown before her coffin was placed in the Basilica of St. Denis.
Abraham Lincoln
After his assassination in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln lay in state in the White House East Room with a simple silver crown adorned with stars representing the states of the union. A floral cross also topped his coffin.
Queen Victoria of Britain
For her elaborate 1901 funeral procession, Britain’s Queen Victoria wore a white velvet and lace funeral crown trimmed in gold and affixed with the Koh-i-Noor diamond. Her son King Edward VII later wore an Imperial crown on his coffin in 1910.
Alexander III of Russia
The 1894 funeral of Russian Tsar Alexander III featured a particularly massive coffin crown in the shape of the Monomakh’s Cap, the traditional crown of Russian rulers. His cypress coffin also bore the Imperial orb and scepter.
Hirohito of Japan
When Japanese Emperor Hirohito died in 1989, his unadorned coffin was topped with a funeral crown made of wild flowers chosen to symbolize simplicity and frugality. Chrysanthemums, which represent the Imperial crest, were also used.
Nelson Mandela
After his death in 2013, former South African President Nelson Mandela’s coffin was crowned with an intricate floral arrangement of white roses and orchids. The flowers were sustainably sourced from environmentally responsible growers.
Conclusion
The tradition of placing ornamental crowns atop coffins evolved across cultures as a way to convey power, respect, and deep significance. While their materials and designs have changed over time, funeral crowns remain a meaningful symbol of honor and remembrance. Their ultimate fate after burial or cremation is deeply personal, whether laid to rest with the deceased or preserved in memoriam. However it is handled, the coffin crown commemorates a cherished life at its final farewell.