The idea of coming full circle and
returning whence we came from is one that appeals to many of us,
regardless of our faith (or lack thereof), and this is an idea captured
perfectly by this beautiful new burial method developed in Italy. The
Capsula Mundi project by designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel has
developed an organic, biodegradable burial capsule that will turn the
deceased’s body into nutrients for a tree that will grow out of their
remains.
After being encapsulated in the fetal
position, the deceased is buried and either a tree or tree seed is
planted above their capsule. The project’s site already has a number of
trees to choose from.
The project is currently only a concept
because Italian law forbids such burials. If it were allowed to proceed,
however, the project’s aim would be to create entire memorial parks
full of trees instead of tombstones. And instead of destroying and
burying wood for wooden coffins, we would, at the end of our lives,
provide sustenance for new trees instead. And indeed, the idea that our
loved ones and descendants could visit our tree, care for it and rest in
its shade is truly a comforting one.
An Italian company came up with an eco-friendly alternative to coffins
